Monster hunter Freedom Unite lays the foundations for more small-scale MMORPG games and proves that they can be done successfully with handheld consoles while still remaining action orientated to appeal to hack & slash fans.

Darksiders Genesis is not only immediately fun, it is also immediately recognisable as Darksiders despite the move to a new genre and completely different camera angle. Strife is a very welcome addition to the Darksiders canon, and when paired with War they have helped elevate Genesis to the best entry in the series in the post Vigil Games era.

A fast paced, fluid tennis simulation. The steep learning curve will put off those wanting a quick, arcade tennis bash, but if you take the time to learn the game it is a rewarding, fun experience.

NBA 2K15 is an astounding title full of modes that should see hoop heads playing compulsively until the next one in a year's time.

Apollo Justice carries on the addictive game play of its predecessors. It is suited well to those who enjoy watching the many different crime and courtroom shows that are so popular on television these days, and also to those who enjoy a good story-based game that requires concentration and awareness.

Disco Elysium is one of the most interesting games we’ve seen in decades in terms of its themes and writing. A conversation heavy investigative RPG that leans very heavily on the genre’s pen and paper roots. We’ve not seen this type of RPG in quite some time, and certainly not one as well executed as this. If you like your RPG’s densely worded I think you’ll find a lot to like here.

Far Cry 3 makes some impressive changes to reinvent the franchise and create an experience that is not afraid to address thematic issues many other games shy away from. Watching Jason both grow as an individual and succumb to the madness that infects the Rook islands adds significant weight to the actions Far Cry 3 asks players to undertake. Ubisoft asks us to consider whether we're just as mad as the rest of the Rook Island natives. There's still room for other games to execute more deftly on these same themes, but for now, Far Cry 3's journey is easily compelling and even easier to recommend.

Transformers Devastation is a loving homage to its '80s cartoon source material that features the slick and satisfying combat we've come to expect from PlatinumGames. Shame it's so bloody short, though.

Its RPG elements may be a little superficial, and it relies on fetch-questing too much, but faithful production and a laugh-a-minute script means South Park: The Stick of Truth is a true diamond in the licensed game rough.

An inventive and outlandish puzzler that executes with bloodthirstily aplomb.

A fast paced, fluid tennis simulation. The steep learning curve will put off those wanting a quick, arcade tennis bash, but if you take the time to learn the game it is a rewarding, fun experience.

Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince re-establishes the series as a leader in the genre. I can't remember the last time I played a puzzle game that made me feel so smart and satisfied. It's magical world is full of wonderful inhabitants that further bring the world to life. If you're even remotely interested in puzzle games or are just after your next great co-op experience, you owe it to yourself to play this one.

The fifth entry in the Donkey Kong Country franchise, Tropical Freeze may not contain many surprises, but its an expertly-crafted game with an excess of personality.

Prototype is a carefully constructed action title with one of the best stories we've seen this year. Despite a couple of minor faults, the gameplay is fast and fluid, and the characters presented are compelling enough to make you care.

An excellent FPS horror that mixes action with some pretty good frights. The single-player is exceptional, with some of the best graphics and atmospherics we've seen. Unfortunately the game is not as long as we would have liked and does little to bring something new to the packed FPS table.

This is no ordinary platformer, with a strong focus on racing wacky vehicles that you create yourself from more than a hundred different parts that you find. The ability to build these vehicles - planes, helicopters, submarines, boats, racing cars and more - is truly amazing. Overall a huge amount of fun at a very low price point!

Genius in it's simplicity, this collection will allow you to revisit your favourite titles from yesteryear, albeit with a few notable exceptions.

Beaterator represents a challenging diversification for Rockstar, who perhaps know more about beating people up. Having said that, this pint-sized music creation title sure packs a punch.

An astoundingly realistic basketball game with some of the greatest environments and graphics seen to date.

A real challenge to... you know, that other sandbox game... Saints Row 2 expands on the original with a dizzying level of complexity. Stilwater is back and bigger than ever - there's so much to see and do you'll be entertained for hours.

Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition's enhancements are cosmetic-only so the flaws present in the game's last-gen version are still present. Even so, it's a great game made greater, so for those yet to play it, this is the version to get.

Fans of Skyrim should almost certainly grab it in recognition of the fact that it's hard to get too much of a good thing.

WipEout 2048 may not have a particularly challenging multiplayer campaign, and it may have particularly challenging loading times, but that's not to say it's a failure. The singleplayer component alone is worth the time and money, easy to access, difficult to master, and deeply satisfying to play; combined with stunning graphics and the surprising presence of a pervasive artistic statement – rare in video-games generally, let alone racing games – 2048 is a fascinating and entertaining beast.

Grand in ambition but focused in execution, A Machine For Pigs is a terrific slice of Victorian industrial horror that will stay with you even as you try to sleep with the lights on.

Hot Pursuit has overdosed on the adrenaline, providing gamers with some of the fastest action this year.

The Following is an excellent expansion by any measure, combining a fascinating narrative and enjoyable gameplay into a great piece of content for fans of the original game. It’s a shame parkour takes a back seat, but running zombies over in the buggy is an attractive alternative.

Unravel is a fleeting yet enjoyable experience, with great gameplay and production design. Experienced players may find it too easy, but it's a gorgeous blend of story and gameplay for everyone else.

With great dungeon designs, enjoyable turn-based combat, and a new story that adds context to the turn-based action, The Fafnir Knight makes for an excellent addition to the 3DS library and an excellent homage to Heroes of Lagaard. Recommended.

The Flame in the Flood is a grim game that challenges players not only with gameplay, but also with subtle ideas about life and humankind. Yet, despite how literary the game can be, it's a deeply enjoyable experience that scratches the primal itch of surviving in the wild.

inFamous is an all-encompassing superhero tale told with care and attention. Sucker Punch Productions have created a fantastic title that will push your superhuman skills to the limit.

Fallout 4 is a welcome return to the wasteland. An interesting and well-told central story is hobbled by the open world, but this is Fallout and that open world is a joy to explore. PC players will justifiably grumble that the game is obviously designed first and foremost for a couch and controller experience.

Just Cause 2 is an amazing title and certainly looking to be one of the best sand-box games of the year. It may not reproduce Grand Theft Auto IV's immersive storyline, but the level of fun to be had in Just Cause 2 is virtually unparalleled.

Better career pacing, and more customisation options and settings make Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14 is the finest instalment in the series to date.

I would happily watch Heavy Rain “the movie” in theatres, but the fact that I get to watch and control it on my PS3 instead is very cool.

It's probably the best fighting game out at the moment.

With interesting characters, refined mechanics, and a few excellent new additions, Assassin's Creed Syndicate reminds us what's great about the series. Even those turned off by the bugfest that was Unity will be won over by this terrific entry. It's the best Assassin's Creed game to come along in a long while.

Boasting a low price tag and the promise of more Lara action, The Guardian of Light seems too good to be true.

The bottom line is that while it offers veteran FPS players nothing new, Killzone 3 does boast some of the best console FPS graphics yet, and very slick gameplay to go along with it. Lack of innovation and the horrible story aside, it's an outstanding release that all PS3 owners should get their hands on as a matter of priority.

It's an excellent chance to relive the heady days of the point-and-click adventure, where games were written with intelligence, humour and precision rather than large explosions and endless DLC.

Marred only by some barely-sentient AI, The New Order is 16-odd hours of beautiful destruction, and the characters get a look in as well.

It's a case of third time's a charm for this DLC. Simply put, it's a must-buy for any Borderlands fan.

A fast paced, fluid tennis simulation. The steep learning curve will put off those wanting a quick, arcade tennis bash, but if you take the time to learn the game it is a rewarding, fun experience.

Forget what you have come to expect from an NFS game, because SHIFT takes the series away from the street scene and into the grown-up world of motorsport. It makes a few mistakes along the way, but with great looks, solid handling and some unique features, there is plenty of fun to be had behind the wheel.

A competitive fighting title that weaves a compelling narrative between its super-powered clashes, Injustice is accessible yet deep, and the fan service and character roster on display should see it garner a wide audience.

Just don't expect a lot more than some slick fantasy-style arcade brawling and it'll be money well spent.

Rocket League isn't so great solo, but it's a fantastic multiplayer title that's easy to pick up but surprisingly deep.

Less of a distinct entry in the Tekken series, Tag Tournament 2 is more like a DVD Collector's Edition Boxset - everything the series has produced previously has almost been rolled into one convenient package for fans to sink their teeth into while they await Tekken 7. With nearly five dozen characters to master, a huge range of character customisation options available, a customisable soundtrack and a seemingly endless army of foes waiting online, Tekken Tag Tournament 2 will keep fight-fans busy for a long while to come.

Throw all of these things together and you have an excellent game that falls just a little short of perfect.

Advanced Warfare is COD par excellence, a premiere example of the game that's almost a genre unto itself. Its singleplayer is better than most in the franchise, and the multiplayer is probably the best yet.

Regardless of the validity of pushing Anno away from a historical setting, Anno 2070 once again proves that the real-time strategy genre is alive and well, and should be considered seriously by any armchair dictator with a lot of spare time.

Beautifully presented and expertly executed, The Legend of Grimrock 2 is everything that made the first game great, only now there is even more of it. Wonderful puzzles and plenty of variety will keep eager adventurers entertained until the very end.

With the holiday calendar chock full of titles, Saints Row: The Third stands out as a holiday retreat, to be sampled again and again whenever a healthy dose of stress relief is required.

Putting aside the disappointments of PES 2009, on the pitch, the game is still the most realistic football sim on the market. I don’t believe the PES franchise is getting any worse, rather that EA’s FIFA franchise is barking at its heels and surpassing it in some areas.

Bayonetta is a refreshing and somewhat surprising addition to an already extensive catalogue of action games. A must-buy for any anime gaming fan, and an excellent representation of the genre.

Inevitably, two years of gamer fantasies must come up against those first hours of playing and in at least one or two regards, be found a little wanting. But Watch Dogs more than makes up for it with a range of unexpected pleasures, from its winning script and characterisation, to its real success in turning hacking into an engaging gameplay mechanic. A must-play for new-gen owners.

Dead Space was definitely a risk for EA and it's great to see they were willing to run with it, because it is a fantastic game. It looks and sounds great, is a lot of fun to play and oozes atmosphere.

Rock Band is more than a simple video game, it's a highly interactive social experience. There's enough depth and fun here to keep you and your friends entertained for months. A must-have for the festive season!

It comes off as being a well rounded turn-based strategy game.

Harebrained Schemes has again struck gold within the Shadowrun universe. Refined Decking and brilliant writing as well as some genuine surprises breathe life into the fantastical future Hong Kong setting. Sadly, some pacing and level design issues stop it just short of the heights it was reaching for.

The fact that this game offers so much content - much more than many releases today - and all for an extremely low 800 Marketplace Points, I have to say, check out the demo: you may be pleasantly surprised.

World War II is coming back into your living room with Hell's Highway, a solid, squad-based tactical shooter. Aside from some minor glitches and a lack of decent multiplayer the game is stunning, with a movie-like story that is gripping and emotional. A must buy for WWII shooter fans, and fans of the series.

A thoroughly entertaining game that has a wide appeal for young and old. The low level of violence and simplicity of challenge makes it easy to play. A good solid family game that we highly recommend.

A real challenge to... you know, that other sandbox game... Saints Row 2 expands on the original with a dizzying level of complexity. Stilwater is back and bigger than ever - there's so much to see and do you'll be entertained for hours.

The stealth portions are somewhat simple in execution but satisfying when you get it right. When you are high above the enemy scoping them out in order to plan your attacks you really do feel like Batman.

After 18 months, have developers Bungie managed to create a title that can live up to the expectations of millions of Halo 3 fans, as well as carve out its own legacy? Quite possibly, but it's not all smooth sailing for Microsoft's darling.

Sony's exclusive title shows potential, but it has several areas that need improving. It's refreshing to see a title that has such fun gameplay and amazing customisation options, and we're sure LittleBigPlanet will be around for a long time to come.

Tales from the Borderlands may be light on gameplay, but it's long on entertainment. An easy recommendation for fans of adventure games and the Borderlands series alike.

All in all, Waveform is a fantastic casual game which revels in both frustration and addiction. And best of all, this extreme enjoyment will only set you back the tidy sum of USD $7.

A well-rounded action title with elements of strategy, traditional hack and slash, and arcade action.

Putting aside the disappointments of PES 2009, on the pitch, the game is still the most realistic football sim on the market. I don’t believe the PES franchise is getting any worse, rather that EA’s FIFA franchise is barking at its heels and surpassing it in some areas.

A solid sequel which expands on the previous title. It's not perfect, but it is a huge amount of fun, and the added minion abilities really help, as well as the new gameplay elements which break up the monotony.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are terrific, overlaying several new features on a couple of classic games.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are terrific, overlaying several new features on a couple of classic games.

With its extensive licenses, bold and complex yet accessible gameplay, unparalleled online offerings, excellent tutorials, and clean presentation, FIFA 14 may only be a small step up from last year's game, but it remains a fantastic offering overall.

Blood Bowl 2 is a deceptively simple yet tactically deep turn-based sports game well worth your time. For maximum utility, avoid the campaign mode and join a league as soon as possible.

Two Point Hospital does an excellent job of bringing the genre into the modern-day gaming space. From its simple and excellent graphics to the pitch-perfect humour and gameplay, I can't recommend it highly enough to fans of the genre. While we may never see a sequel to Theme Hospital, I'm more than content with Two Point Studios taking the reigns and can't wait to see what the studio does next.

Levels are broader and more varied, small alterations have been made to force the player to put more thought into how they craft their experiences, and there's some genuine emotional content being experimented with. The whole enterprise does end up feeling a bit too earnest, a bit too forced, a bit too cornball. Despite that, though, there's a maturity of vision to Halo 4, one that manifests itself, in small ways, in the narrative and in the ways you interact with that narrative.

Dragon Age: Inquisition is still a brilliant if flawed gem from one of the best storytellers in the genre. The journey is long. The path is fraught with dangers and more than a few missteps, but it’s an epic adventure well worth the undertaking.

This is a development team that listens. Taking the good from the original and cutting or fixing the bad. It still carries all the horror spliced with comedy from the first and creates a world that intrigues, entertains and disgusts in equal measure.

An exceptional console RTS that solves the problem of having to use a controller to quickly respond to on-screen action. Great graphics and a true sense of an epic global conflict make this one of the best RTS titles to arrive on any console. The online multiplayer mode is a real highlight allowing you to engage in battles that change the face of Europe and the US.

You won’t regret investing in this game and adding it your Arcade collection, because I can guarantee whatever you thought was your favourite Arcade game just got knocked down a notch.

A very innovative blend of RTS and RPG that is a ton of fun to play, Dawn of War II is easy enough for almost anyone to pick up without being intimidated, yet deep enough to still be challenging for the more hardcore players. It has the strategic depth of Company of Heroes as well as the "just one more mission" mentality of a good RPG like Diablo.

The extra time and effort placed on redeveloping the party play mode has made an enormous difference to the latest Guitar Hero release. If you've been waiting for an excuse to revisit the series, this is it.

If you’re already a Persona fan, Persona 5 Royal offers up even more of what you love, taking an already massive game and upsizing it to epic proportions. This is a must-have for JRPG fans, but it is also one that might be a little too much to swallow for newcomers.

Vander Caballero's puzzle-platformer isn't important because of its puzzles or its platforms – it's important because of what it is outside of that, an autobiographical fable that goes uncomfortably deep into a cycle of abuse and addiction and its long-reaching effects on a naive young boy.

MadWorld is a must-have for any Wii owner looking to branch out from sports titles. It's rated for a reason however, and the cartoon violence won't appeal to everyone.

It's still faithfully wedded to its classical framework, but by manipulating the way the audience thinks about what has always been one of the most arbitrary elements of the Super Mario Bros. series, it makes the game even more of a challenge than before. There are new dangers to confront and new reasons to repeat worlds, and this prompted seachange in the way we think about Mario yields results both fascinating and entertaining.

At its heart, LittleBigPlanet 2 is a suite of development tools wrapped up in a user-friendly, child-like aesthetic of yarn and cardboard.

A solid continuation of an already excellent story. The same humour, graphics, gameplay and more as found in the first title, with another enthralling and amusing tale thrown in. Well worth it if you enjoyed Episode One!

As far as adventure shooters on the console go, this has it all, but stack it up against similar games on other consoles and you cannot help feeling it's a runner-up rather than a leader. A good game though, and one that we recommend.

4A Games have rekindled my love for the world that was left behind. A post-apocalyptic journey out of darkness with a uniquely eastern European accent. Equally gorgeous and grotesque Metro Exodus is sure to please newcomers and the returning faithful alike. I just wish the road was a little smoother and with fewer bugs skittering about.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is a big-budget title that delivers a breathtaking adventure with all the trimmings.

Somehow, the game is once again a significant improvement over last year's iteration and if you're a football fan FIFA 11 is a must: EA have shown they can draw blood from a stone and they've done it with style.

It's pretty much what we expect from this epic franchise, but the limited scope and fairly mundane ending hasn't rounded off this franchise with the dignity it deserves.

Rock Band is more than a simple video game, it's a highly interactive social experience. There's enough depth and fun here to keep you and your friends entertained for months. A must-have for the festive season!

It manages to stay feeling fresh and thrilling all the way through to the final battle, and it looks absolutely incredible. The story is mostly well paced and told with cinematics of extremely high production value. While the co-op is not exactly game changing, it is a very welcome addition to the series and the game is definitely a lot more fun when played this way.

A thoroughly entertaining game that has a wide appeal for young and old. The low level of violence and simplicity of challenge makes it easy to play. A good solid family game that we highly recommend.

A children's game that for once delivers the movie experience to the console. Its initial slow pace soon delivers a lot of fun and humour that you would expect from a game of the movie.