Krillbite Studios' baby sim-cum-horror tale starts strong, but comes undone as it pushes into the supernatural at the expense of the real. It's often scary, but not always effective.

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.

Like Bastion before it, Transistor is a pleasure to play and an involving experience from start to finish. Its mature story and evolving combat will keep you engaged to the very end, and have you longing for more.

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.

Half of Mario Golf: World Tour is a worthy, delightful addition to the stable of Mario sporting games. The other half is too exacting and too dull to match that, let alone exceed it.

Its novel use of mechanics, its comic writing, and its retro aesthetics make Super Time Force a sure bet for those in search of light entertainment.

Admire Spiders for their ambition, but as with its prior efforts this is again a case of reaching too far and spreading too thin. The result is a game that feels incomplete despite its comparatively short length for the genre.

The Amazing Spider-man draws too much direct inspiration from the Batman: Arkham series, implements it too unevenly to warrant much praise.

This time around, From Software has nailed the PC version of its beloved franchise, leaving absolutely no doubt as to which platform gives players the best experience.

A Realm Reborn is one of the biggest reversals in fortune we've seen for a game in many, many years. A must for MMO and Final Fantasy fans alike.

Daylight incompetently piles on the clichés and delivers an experience that is far more likely to induce boredom than anything resembling fear.

If you really like JRPGs, then I’d absolutely recommend you give Child of Light a try for its creative and slick integration of RPG mechanics. If you’re more interested in the sidescrolling aspect, you can probably pass on this one.

Trials Fusion delivers exactly what one would expect: the usual high-class core gameplay in a new setting. It's not radically different to other games in the series, but for the moment, that's completely fine.

Don Bradman Cricket 14 is one of the best cricket games to come along in a long while. A solid title, it'll keep the hardcore happy, but it might prove too complicated for the casual player.

An inventive and outlandish puzzler that executes with bloodthirstily aplomb.

Lego The Hobbit is a handsome game, but it's also proof that the formula Traveller's Tales employs for most of its Lego titles simply doesn't work for everything it adapts.

The Lego Movie Videogame follows the instruction manual too closely, hitting the same same plot points as the movie, and even rehashing some of its gags. This is the kind of tie-in we thought we'd seen the back of.

While Kinect Sports Rivals adequately demonstrates the improvements made to the latest model of Kinect, uninspired gameplay lets the overall package down.

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.

Yoshi's New Island is a fine salute to a SNES classic and an adorable, approachable platformer in its own right, but it's only likely to have value for players new to the genre - and even then, any appreciation of the game that they have is likely to be fleeting.

This expansion is Diablo III as it should be - should always have been. A welcome return to form.

A sandbox of the simplest kind, Goat Simulator is a mental yet uproarious title whose silly antics will put a smile on the dial of even the most po-faced gamer.

Second Son's sky-high production values do most of the heavy lifting, but beneath the flash are solid systems and a well-acted story that's easy to recommend to franchise fans and newcomers alike.

Dark Souls II is a tough, bleak, and frightening action-RPG that is every bit as harrowing yet satisfying as its predecessors.

1954 Alcatraz fails to deliver. There is a lot to like, the narrative and setting are exceptional, but the constant shortcomings of almost every other aspect of the game quickly saps enjoyment and replaces it with frustration and disappointment.

Titanfall is the game Microsoft's new-gen console has been waiting for: a fast, frenetic mix of parkour gunplay and agile mech combat that makes for an incomparable shooter experience.

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.

Strider is basic fare to snack on between larger courses in the release schedule. Double Helix has easily attained its unambitious goals.

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.

To the player willing to take the game at a slower pace, with a focus on pure stealth and without the artifice of in game assistance Thief will deliver the goods. For everyone else the reward may not be worth the effort.

Max: The Curse of Brotherhood is visually appealing and excellently paced, but its frustrating controls and legacy assets peg this as a game released a little prematurely.

Left Behind shares many of the traits that make The Last of Us so good, but as a prequel, it is unable to surprise the player with its parent game's trump card – its plot. Even so, it's an enjoyable companion piece to the best game of last year.

Fable Anniversary is a worthy game and sure to appeal to fans of the original, but sub-HD cut-scenes, a jumpy camera and a poor targeting system indicate this re-release didn't get the full attention it deserved.

Episode 2 contains all the elements we've come to expect and deeply admire from a Telltale series, but it's too thinly spread to achieve top marks.

Blackguards is a strong RPG with top-notch tactical combat that's let down by some needless complexity and less-than-convincing voice-acting.

Dadliest Catch is a wily, outstanding title in the vein of infamous freeware QWOP. With awkward controls, volatile physics and formidable environmental puzzles working in compelling harmony, Dadliest Catch makes the player the architect of physical comedy in a brilliant and idiosyncratic way.

Might and Magic X is an unabashedly old school RPG experience that, despite on or two high notes, often only serves to remind us why so many of these mechanics were relegated to history.

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.

Liberation is so-so, a cheap yet only moderately fulfilling title that throws back the curtain on the elderly systems of the Assassin's Creed franchise pre-Black Flag.

The Banner Saga is an absolutely gorgeous, engrossing RPG that features well-balanced and pleasingly tactical turn-based combat. It's a linear journey, but one that's definitely worth taking.

Beautiful art style, well rounded characters, familiar humour, and heart. At first glance, Broken Age is a visually stunning, polished homage to the adventure games of the past. But it’s over all too quickly, without enough challenges to satisfy, or enough innovations to drive the genre forward.

The focus on action for the first half of the episode takes away from what makes this series great, but the exceptional tone, and excellent storytelling still deliver. Clementine promises to be a unique and compelling protagonist, and Telltale has the potential here to make the most important game in the zombie sub-genre.

PowerStar Golf doesn’t reinvent the golf-game wheel, but it’s a pleasant, laid-back diversion with a fun design sense and great camera controls that outweigh its relatively inoffensive microtransaction system.

NBA Live 14 delivers an unambitious, sporadically exciting basketball simulation held back by its slavish adherence to replicating the televised game.

While its arcade-style gameplay is enjoyable, LocoCycle is wrapped in racist, lowest-common-denominator presentation that doesn’t succeed at being funny or scandalous.

Some pop in and loading issues aside, Gran Turismo 6 represents a return to form for Polyphony Digital.

A superb and detailed imitation of TV football, an occasionally exciting gameplay experience, and what can feel like an exercise in monetisation from EA.

A Link Between Worlds boasts excellent characterisation and spacial design. Even a too-shallow difficulty curve can't hold this long awaited entry back.

Compulsion Games' Contrast hints numerous excellent ideas but in its hasty execution, fails to deliver almost any of them.

Killer Instinct is shaping up well and that's the problem – this isn't a full game by any stretch of the imagination. Still, what is here shows that Double Helix will likely do the series proud with an update that is at once reverential and forward-thinking.

Despite some quality visual design, Crimson Dragon is a rough-shod, clumsy experience that yields little gameplay depth or variety and frequently threatens to nickel-and-dime players.

The good ideas in Zoo Tycoon aren't developed far enough to warrant top marks, but Frontier Developments have delivered a capable game that will delight gamers of all ages.

Super Mario World 3D pares back some of the complexity seen in recent Mario games in favour of multiplayer gaming, and it works wonderfully.

There is no doubt that the driving mechanics of Rivals are fantastic, and most of the game's systems are a success. However, it's a multiplayer-oriented game that fails to bring players together, and the content elsewhere is merely good.

Knack is not at all indicative of the PlayStation 4's potential. The gameplay and the storytelling are banal even by last-gen standards.

With a batch of fresh weapons, one or two fun new gadgets, the introduction of a bit of 2D puzzle platforming, and a slew of references for old hands to recognise, the game works as the perfect closer to the series as we know it.

Forza Motorsport 5 is a great game hindered by a lack of content – the offering of cars and tracks here is simply too skimpy. The Drivatar system impresses though, and is a rare game feature worthy of its own silly portmanteau.

One of the best RPGs of all time returns. This new edition succeeds not because of any enhancements added by Beamdog, but because the game BioWare created is still as strong as it ever was with only dated design and mechanics holding it back.

Ryse definitely looks the part, but the gameplay simply isn't up to scratch. It feels unfinished, or like a hardcore title whose mechanics have been dramatically simplified for the Xbox One TV crowd. Thumb down.

A great-looking game let down by poor storytelling, repetitive gameplay and cheap, frustrating puzzles and traps.

Media Molecule's shift to the third-person has resulted in a mixed bag - the eye-popping visual style and the story's characteristic earnestness are tempered by clumsy platforming and thematic overcomplication. Tearaway is a very good platformer, but greatness is just out of reach.

Shadow Fall opens capably but quickly deteriorates into a series of boring firefights against thick enemies, interspersed with the genre's hoariest touchstones and some ill-conceived non-combat sections and mechanics.

Despite some stunning art direction and a rich story complete with interesting and complex characters, Enslaved fails to provide a compelling game play experience to complement its artistic and narrative strengths.

Dead Rising 3 is an ambitious and frequently giddy open world brawler that allows players to indulge their silly side while creatively dispatching the undead. The story is a let-down and the missions become tedious, but the sandbox play here is magnificent, despite some technical overreaching.

By adding more content, more depth, and more choice, Enemy Within enhances rather than alters the core XCOM experience, and in doing so makes a great game even greater. A must-have.

While it looks and sounds fantastic, Sonic Lost World is hobbled somewhat by poor level design and an immediately oppressive difficulty. It still retains some appeal, but oh, what could have been...

Bland and unpolished, The Dark Eye: Demonicon is a generic and mediocre action role playing game that fails to fully embrace its source material, and therefore will ultimately leave the player unengaged and unfulfilled.

Ghosts will disappoint those only in it for the singleplayer, although – Extinction aside – the multiplayer feels like just more of the same. Those who play online will still get their money’s worth, but a proper evolution of the series’ mechanics is now desperately needed.

Great in concept, Blackgate is boring in practice – a tedious exploration of a prison's innards whose level design and combat simply aren't up to scratch. A functional but charmless and even boring title, this is not the Batman game handheld owners were hoping for.

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.

Rocksmith 2014 many improvements on its predecessor see the franchise elevated from a decent diversion to a great tool for budding strummers and shredders. There’s a ton of quality content to get through, but best of all it’s presented in an appealing and addicting manner that takes much of the pain from practice

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag is essential gaming for anyone who has ever dreamed of running up the Jolly Roger and taking whatever they can carry from His Majesty’s holds.

The sixth Pokémon generation’s leap into three dimensions is a godsend, maintaining a recognisable experience while giving the aesthetic experience much-needed depth and dynamism. Even with this new presentation, though, the seventeen-year-old core remains the same – a trusty old heart that doesn’t really need to change.

The sixth Pokémon generation’s leap into three dimensions is a godsend, maintaining a recognisable experience while giving the aesthetic experience much-needed depth and dynamism. Even with this new presentation, though, the seventeen-year-old core remains the same – a trusty old heart that doesn’t really need to change.

In its desire to to be stewards worthy of the prestigious Arkham series, Warner Bros Montreal has played it too close. Arkham Origins is well executed and sure to keep fans satisfied, but it doesn't dare to bring enough new ideas to warrant higher praise.

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.

Swap Force is another winning entry in the Skylanders series, proving once again that games aimed at children can provide fun for those that detest them. Deep pockets will be required to get the most out of the game, but even the vanilla version still represents value for money.

With its compelling storytelling, rich characterisations, and engaging player choices, The Wolf Among Us succeeds in spite of its gameplay short comings, and looks to be another genre-defining title from the team at Telltale Games.

When it's not busy pandering, titillating, and falling back on fantasy clichés, Dragon's Crown is a sound, nostalgia-tinged experience.

F1 2013 is a great game – the best of the series thus far, in fact. For racing fans without last year's game, its acquisition is a no-brainer. However, those with F1 2012 are encouraged to try before buying. There are few changes on last year's formula and Classic Mode's potential vastly outweighs its offering this time around.

Beyond: Two Souls is unquestionably an important release, but excellent performances by Willem Dafoe and Ellen Page belie a structurally unsound narrative and truly benign gameplay.

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.

This is no incremental update. The AI, the animations and collision detection are dramatically improved and the detail given to player faces is genuinely impressive. The only thing holding NBA 2K14 back it seems is Visual Concepts compulsion to change their control scheme annually.

PES 2014 is a solid title whose lively presentation and animation improvements are offset by slower, heavier gameplay. Not a bad game by any measure, it nonetheless counteracts some of the improvements made in last year's excellent PES 2013.

Rain won't tax players the way other puzzle-platformers might, but what it lacks in challenge it more makes up for in atmosphere and story. An aching, moody title, it will nonetheless charm those who brave its inclement climes.

A gleefully tongue-in-cheek throwback to shooters of yore, Shadow Warrior offers fantastic melee combat and a truly beautiful world to discover and then slaughter in.

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.

Grand Theft Auto V is the pinnacle of the franchise and of gaming in 2013. A ridiculously ambitious title that wrings absolutely everything out of the aging seventh-gen consoles, it's a spectacular triumph in every conceivable way. Rejoice, for Rockstar North has done it again.

Puppeteer is a delightful platformer whose attractive patchwork visuals and fairytale-style story are complemented by great voice acting, clever presentation, and a neat gameplay twist.

The Wonderful 101 shows that Platinum's mischievous streak and fondness for over-the-top action remains undiminished. It's an enjoyably bonkers title that makes good use of the Wii U's touchscreen and as such, is a bright spot in that console's slowly-expanding library.

Killzone: Mercenary resembles its console counterparts gunplay-wise, but its story is dull and difficulty spikes and other shenanigans sour the experience.

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.

Outlast gets the visuals and sound right, has some great mechanics, and will provoke feelings of dread and horror in even the most jaded gamer. It's cat-and-mouse sequences are a repetitive dirge, but elsewhere this is a strong first offering.

Even Killer is Dead's hyper-cel shaded aesthetic can't cover over a flawed, deeply misogynistic title.

Rayman Legends isn’t just good, it’s utterly terrific on practically every level. That such a title was once confined to Nintendo’s sickly hardware seems abhorrent, although it’s the sort of rare game that would sell a console. An exquisite offering, it exudes polish and should appeal to everything sentient within 50 yards of the TV.

Space Hulk is remarkably faithful to the source material, something that works for and against it in equal measure. Altogether the game shows potential but feels undercooked.

Despite feeling like an expansion to Saints Row: The Third, the ridiculous story missions and the excellently-implemented superpowers make Saints Row IV an enormous amount of fun.

If the Lost Planet series still had any devotees, they'd probably be disappointed by this third installment's padded and passionless offering.