You will need to play the game to realize its potential and accept that TiQal is definitely one of Xbox Live Arcade's greatest games to date.

With this release, Supergiant Games has set a new high-water mark for not only for budget-price RPGs, but XBLA games as a whole. Highly recommended.

Planet Coaster is a celebration of everything Frontier Developments did well back in the Rollercoaster Tycoon days, with new mechanics and systems piled on top. Its variety of customisable buildings, scenery, objects, coasters, and rides make for an incredibly special game.

New Horizons is the near-perfect installment ahead of the 20th anniversary of the series. There is so much to do in this game, and Nintendo has really pushed the limits for the series with the amount of creative freedom they’ve handed over to the player. The only thing that lets it down is the clunkiness of an otherwise delightful multiplayer feature. Still, this is exactly the kind of game I want to be stuck at home with.

Frustration and reward go hand-in-hand in Cuphead. Your fingers will feel the pain of extended play sessions, but your face will be fixed in a fierce (albeit slightly pained) grin.

The Last Guardian can be frustrating gameplay-wise, but the connection you'll feel to its beautifully-realised yet intractable companion creature leaves no room in your heart for such concerns. Somehow, this game was worth the wait.

Kingdom Hearts III is a love letter to fans and the perfect end to a saga seventeen years in the making. Backed by a strong cast of characters and a near-perfect combat system, Sora and friends' final journey is sure to please both new and old fans alike.

Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap is everything a remake should be: a thoroughly modern yet completely reverent update that preserves the soul of its inspiration for a new generation of gamers to enjoy.

Quotation forthcoming.

DiRT Rally 2.0 is a master-class in how to do the rally genre justice. While it certainly presents a steep learning curve, rally enthusiasts will find a lot to love in Codemasters' latest entry in the highly-revered DiRT franchise.

The Sword in the Darkness is the best of Telltale's Game of Thrones episodes yet, and sets up what will no doubt be a dramatic second half of the season.

Unfortunately Vanquish is short - about six to seven hours on first play through – and there isn't a swathe of bonus content. That said, this is the only game I have ever completed and immediately restarted, ever.

This Worms release is by far one of the best in recent memory and does an excellent job of providing fresh graphics that remain true to the original style.

Legion is excellent, a thoroughly enjoyable expansion made all the more impressive by the base game's age. It might have taken a demon invasion, but WoW's players are back together at last.

Sonic Mania Plus is a return to form for Sega’s most iconic character. It takes all that is old and makes it new again.

It’s almost everything we want in a PC shooter. DICE’s latest installment in the Battlefield series sets the bar – we just wish there were more developers trying to surpass it.

Far Cry 4 doesn't have the element of surprise afforded its praised predecessor but does more than enough to live outside its shadow, and thus stands alone as a great game in its own right.

As much as we love remasters, it is not often they are as justified as Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled has proven itself to be. The well-balanced difficulty of this games map and AI fills a niche in the Kart Racing genre that is sure to delight multiplayer parties and provide a healthy challenge for both nostalgia-filled millennials and newcomers alike.

Since its arcade version dropped, Street Fighter: 3rd Strike has been released in various forms on the Playstation 2, Dreamcast and original Xbox over the years. However, this version is the definitive one, and is nicely priced at 20 bucks too.

If you have the patience, then Monster Hunter Tri delivers the kind of gaming satisfaction that very few others can.

The game is bright, fun, fast, and runs on modest systems surprisingly well. And surprisingly bug-free for something out of the EA stable. Have things really improved in the Quality Control Dept at EA? Lets hope so, because with most EA titles, it’s the bugs that hold them back, not the gameplay.

Forza Horizon 4 continues the incredible success of this series, taking its already lofty achievement to even greater heights. The team at Playground games have created a title that cleverly balances realism with fun in a dynamic, beautiful world with a wide range of exciting and meticulously designed events and activities.

The game is well balanced from the beginning to end. The story and beautiful cut scenes will be enough to convince anyone that this game is worth indulging in.

Capcom has once again delivered an incredible remake of a twenty year old classic. From it's incredible visuals to the excellent action-horror gameplay, the Resident Evil 3 remake succeeds in almost every aspect. Thanks to some masterful touches and a wealth of gameplay refinements, Capcom has made a game that feels right at home in the 2020 triple-A space and fans of the series will love every moment.

It presses all the right buttons to create a fun, varied and emotional side mission.

Frostpunk is a bleak and challenging colony builder/survival title that will either give you more respect for your boss, or have you rallying your co-workers to oust them.

The campaign may be pants, and the co-op may struggle to find a niche, but DICE knows multiplayer – that much is evident. In this regard, Battlefield 3 exceeds expectations.

Battlefield 4's PC multiplayer represents years of learning distilled into a peerless online experience. Its singleplayer may also be peerless, but for all the wrong reasons. A must-have for multiplayer FPS fans.

It's an extremely solid effort, and feels like a full release title.

Peggle is a colourful, highly addictive puzzle style game that the whole family will absolutely love. The online multiplayer modes make it that much better, and it's a worthy investment for anyone who wants something a bit simpler to wind down with.

PixelJunk Monsters is a quirky, fun tower defence game that will have you laughing, and crying, as you try to beat each level.

Together these elements make Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood the most polished experience the series has created to date. It's one that will vindicate fans and hush doubters, even if Ezio's swarthy charms are starting to run as thin as an Italian waiter shamelessly flirting with your date.

Jedi: Fallen Order is a masterfully crafted game that more than makes up for the drought of single-player entries in the Star Wars franchise. With a honed balance of challenge and accomplishment, galaxy-spanning exploration, and a story set in the heart of the Star Wars saga, it's a must-have title for any fan.

Beat Saber is possible the best VR experience ever made. It is an incredibly satisfying rhythm game which uses the immersion of VR to evoke a sense of scale, power and energy that hugely enhances the underlying gameplay loop. The mechanics, music and VR environment tap into something deep in your psyche that creates an irresistibly fun and empowering experience.

Not only is Hotline a shoe-in for Indie of the Year, it represents a masterful, artistic achievement that generates equal parts frustration, enjoyment and addiction, and therefore comes highly recommended.

Spore is comprised of four fairly basic phases that would rate poorly if released individually, and one mighty, awe-inspiring final phase that could be a contender for game of the year by itself. It's stacked all wrong, but who cares - it's all worthwhile in the end.

I have full faith that Polyphony will set these minor issues straight for the full fat, maximum fuel, premium octane, environmentally ignorant release of what is undoubtedly, the greatest car driving experience to visit the console world.

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a compelling interactive novella that draws players in with its beautifully atmospheric setting. The slow burn narrative doesn’t quite land the final emotional punch it’s aiming for, but it more than satisfies on every other level.

Kratos has made the transition to the small screen with godly grace. We're barely out of the first quarter, but if you treat yourself to only one action title this year, make it this one.

An excellent platforming hack'n'slash title that pits the best elements of some of our favourite games against the forces of Hell during the apocalypse. An epic title that is well polished and well implemented, even if the game mechanics feel a bit familiar at times.

F1 2017 is without a doubt the finest F1 game ever made, and a superb motorsport game as a whole. The cumulative lessons that Codies has learned over the years are really paying off, as it continues to push ever forward in both realism and accessibility. How it’ll manage to surpass this come next year has me scratching my head, but its recent track record instils hope it can pull another rabbit out of the hat yet.

A brilliantly conceived and well executed platformer, with enough aesthetically, musically and socially pleasing innovations to warrant a purchase.

The Taken King is one helluva good apology for the mediocre mis-start that was 2014's Destiny. All of our grievances have been addressed in some way. The loot system is fairer and more sensical, there's an actual story worth emotionally investing in, plus the combat's had an adrenaline shot thanks to new enemies, gats to gather, and exciting new subclasses.

A truly spectacular soccer title with exceptional player animations, ball handling and gameplay to boot. The AI will provide a significant challenge, but the implementation of one of the most advanced and complete online modes will mean that this game will truly last you a long time.

Overall, Street Fighter 4 doesn’t bring a lot of new ideas to the table but it does do everything better than any previous incarnation, which is exactly what we wanted.

Sakurai has done the impossible - resurrected a franchise long thought dead, given it some fresh new kicks and produced something glorious. Irreverent, self-referential comedy has rarely fit a Nintendo game so snugly.

A powerful storyline with a great open world environment that truly is exciting, exhilarating and, well, pretty musical really. You will be awed as you tear through the landscape in your hotrod, throwing flames into the night as you listen to heavy metal over the Deuce's tape deck.

Despite a troubled development, Doom is a confident, cracking throwback that pays loving tribute to its much-vaunted forefathers while bringing the noise via cutting edge tech. In a world awash with sci-fi hitscan shooters, it's a breath of fiery air that will delight as it melts faces.

It may lack the finesse in the single-player that some similar titles have, but it does a great job of making you feel the part as you roll into combat with guns blazing, your squad hooting and bellowing behind you. Add to this the multiplayer which is well rounded and realistic, yet big on the fun, and you have a great experience which could ultimately have you playing for months and months.

It doesn't matter what you're playing it on: Hearthstone is a fantastic CCG that gets the balance just right and needn't cost players a cent.

Whether you are a casual player looking for some new levelling experiences, a manic PvPer looking for the next challenge or a PvE progression player, Cataclysm has something for everyone. Like the expansions that preceded it, Cataclysm is growing and evolving.

A huge leap forward in co-operative play, Guitar Hero World Tour is a worthy addition to the franchise and will offer hours of fun for anyone willing to pick up an instrument and invest some time. An awesome effort, although not without its flaws.

One of the better 'mini game' collections out there, with a good variety of games and a nice difficulty curve. The only real down is the lack of online multiplayer.

The Witness is an expansive and wickedly smart follow-up to Braid, with puzzles to test even the brightest minds. Its mental gymnastics are well worth the occasional frustration, and you'll come out feeling like a genius.

No better and no worse than the original - but still an absolute joy in nearly every respect. This is a must-have title for the PSP.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed is a fantastic racer. The tracks and racers are great, and the controls – small jet niggles aside – are excellent.

While it’s not really anything new, it provides a chunky stop-gap in lieu of a real new Pokemon title. Playing it, you’ll get the sense that Gamefreak are rehashing the classics to get their crosshairs tuned for the next generation of Pokemon.

A tremendous title on PS3, Journey is even better on PS4 thanks to a better resolution, improved frame rate, and sharper textures.

Doom Eternal has taken what were already some pretty innovative new approaches to gameplay, and either refined, expanded, or built upon them in a way that elevates this visceral, kinetic and exhilarating approach to combat up several hundred notches.

This game is huge in entertainment value and a tour de force for the Nintendo stable of characters. Its many game options and the full-on combat make it a game you will come back to again and again. Highly recommended for any Wii owner.

A beautifully crafted Australian locale combined with an amazing car collection take this entry to the next level. Forza Horizon 3 builds on the driving prowess and open world diversity of its predecessors, taking it to the top of the podium.

If you’re a fan of Call of Duty multiplayer offerings - boy howdy do Treyarch have an instalment for you. But, if you’re in it for the single player, you’re going to be severely disappointed – though hopefully that’s not a surprise, considering we’ve known there would be no campaign for five months. The combination of Multiplayer, Zombies and the brilliant new Battle Royale mode Blackout, offer a multiplayer feast. A smorgasbord of experiences which makes it feel like a package which will remain interesting, fun and exciting far beyond the release of the next annual COD instalment.

One of the most immersive games of 2009. An epic storyline and excellent gameplay leave us almost entirely satisfied.

By combining the slick 3D polish of modern-era console Mario with the pure and simple challenge of the classic platform era, Nintendo have created a true gem. The frustration one encounters falling off a slick edge for the 14th time is outweighed by the addictiveness of achievement. It's linear, to the point and perfectly tuned for a portable experience.

Do you want to feel like a detective? Do other games keep giving you ‘all-seeing vision’? Do you wish you could actually solve problems on your own (more-or-less)? Look no further.

While the game retells the campaigns of its namesake in somewhat linear fashion, developers The Creative Assembly have retouched and introduced a number of new gameplay mechanics that create a much more intricate experience than any Total War game to date.

In a sea of tepid first-person shooting sequels, Civilization V shines so brightly you won't realise it's already midnight.

Wipeout Omega Collection is the triumphant return of an icon. Its blistering speed, slick visuals, and thumping soundtrack are everything you’d ever want from a Wipeout game, even if – upgrades aside – it is everything you’ve already had in a Wipeout game.

Shogun 2 is a tour de force, plunging even the most detached and practical of real-time strategy fans into the heady waters of the Shengoku Jidai.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons isn't just pretty, it's story is downright magnificent. An at times harrowing but powerful title, it makes a strong case for the categorisation of videogames as art.

As if it weren't clear by the title, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance indulges the ridiculous. This entry into the now-hallowed franchise is one of the very best.

Destiny 2 is the game everyone hoped its predecessor would be; a massive, polished, breathtaking beast in a class of its own.

Ape Out's near-perfect procedural polyrhythmic gameplay and music stays fun and exciting throughout. The games unique art style lends itself perfectly to the chaos and murder carried out by the games titular ape. While it can be a bit on the challenging side at times, the tight gameplay and frantic action will keep you coming back for 'just one more run' long into the night.

This is no slap-dash conversion. The transition to consoles has been managed with extreme care and respect – so much so, that as we speak, playing with friends on the sofa is the best way to experience Diablo III.

Devil May Cry 5 keeps what made the franchise so popular while refining its systems to near-perfection. With some of the most impressive animation and combat out there right now and the addition of Bloody Palace arriving in a free update this April, Devil May Cry 5 is the definitive DMC experience and should be played by everyone looking for incredibly satisfying & stylish combat!

The Division 2 is easily the best of its type; it has the right balance of fun, challenge, dopamine loot drops, and sweet graphics that all but guarantee I’ll be playing this one for a long, long time to come. If you haven’t jumped in yet and think this might be for you, hesitate no longer - Ubisoft has absolutely nailed it the second time around.

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is a cult classic for good reason. It's a strange title, but an engrossing one that's only let down by some one-note characters.

For all the minor problems at hand, Forza Motorsport 4 is the most complete car experience available today. Vast in scope, with many new features, it is slickly present and well executed. Other titles will cater to hardcore racing specialities better, but for those looking to race, tweak, tune and participate in a community, this fourth iteration offers more than enough entertainment.

Battlefield 1943 not only delivers an excellent game but impresses on just about every level. If you have ever wondered what World War II was really like, this is about as close to the experience as you’re going to get.

Revenant Kingdom is a better game than its excellent predecessor, which makes it a must-play for genre fans and curious folks alike.

The jump from FIFA 10 to EA 2010 FIFA World Cup might not be a big one, but the refinements presented makes the entire experience worthwhile.

Overall this is a cracker of a game that certainly deserves a look by first person shooter fans. However, it does need to be viewed as primarily a multiplayer game -- the solo campaign is good but short, and is really just a precursor to the main event, when you head online.

Beamdog has enhanced the core game with no affectations or game changing alterations, allowing Torment to speak for itself without being muffled by the clanking and crashing of technical clunk. The result is a spectacular adventure for those willing to accept its various eccentricities and advancing years.

Worms: Reloaded is a very welcome return to form for Team 17. Reprising the game's classic 2D battlefields, Reloaded pits two customisable platoons of comic worms against one another in hilarious trajectory-based warfare.

X-Morph: Defense is a superb tower defense title with a twist. Those looking for solid action with a side of strong strategic elements will find a lot to love with EXOR Studios excellent take on the genre.

Killzone 2 is a game which gives war a glorious edge. The cinematic style of the single-player campaign brings forth memories of classic war stories as an elite group of four soldiers battle against a malevolent enemy.

Horizon 2 is a wheel that has not so much been reinvented as polished to perfection. Whilst comparable to other open-world racers such as Burnout Paradise and Test Drive Unlimited, it takes the genre to a new level.

Left 4 Dead 2 is a perfect example of what happens when a competent developer takes an existing game and adds just enough to make it better, without subtracting from its initial appeal.

This game is rock solid with some of the most spectacular and fast paced gameplay.

Catherine is very challenging, even on normal difficulty, and the waking life segments aren't for everybody. It is, however, extremely rewarding to finally make it to that next landing after 30-odd heartbreaking attempts, and the controls are seldom to blame for an errant death. At Catherine's centre is a sharp, cel-shaded look, but the periphery is a soft-focus blur, reflecting Vincent's uncertainty and the slippery nature of his reality.

Undisputed 3 is a hearty revival of a franchise that has successfully managed to bottle the essence of a sport rapidly growing in popularity, and the brutal strategy contained within offers a little bit of everything for stalwarts and newcomers alike.

Wolfenstein II's stealth, gunplay, sprawling levels, and different abilities offer plenty of scope for a variety of player approaches, while its excellent writing and voice acting serve a great story that successfully manages to blend an often serious tone with moments of levity and pulp. It's an affecting yet cathartic title, and one of the very best games out this year.

For gamers looking for something intellectual about their medium, in their medium, The Stanley Parable is the only choice available – and thankfully, it’s a good one.

A truly spectacular soccer title with exceptional player animations, ball handling and gameplay to boot. The AI will provide a significant challenge, but the implementation of one of the most advanced and complete online modes will mean that this game will truly last you a long time.

A huge leap forward in co-operative play, Guitar Hero World Tour is a worthy addition to the franchise and will offer hours of fun for anyone willing to pick up an instrument and invest some time. An awesome effort, although not without its flaws.

The single-player campaign involves a riveting and emotional story, and the inclusion of co-op is fantastic. The game itself however is heavily weighted towards multiplayer, as was its predecessor.

Guerrilla Games' punt on a new IP has paid off handsomely, as despite its silly title, Horizon Zero Dawn is a magnificent open world action-adventure that lives up to its hype.

An entertaining, original and funny platformer that really gives a boost to the XBLA. Easily one of the best games on the arcade and well worth the price. It is lacking somewhat in the length, and a few more levels would have been nice, but the announcement of DLC will hopefully rectify that. Unfortunately no multiplayer, but the single-player more than makes up for it, with its stellar gameplay and graphics.