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 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.

DiRT 3 is an extremely flexible and polished racer that – despite some bland circuit design – delivers an extremely satisfying and assured driving experience. Coupled with amusing online modes it's a no-brainer for racing fans, and the racer those who detest such games should investigate at the very least.

An accessible yet thoroughly entertaining competitive fighter, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a game for low-levels and super-elites alike.

The Legend of Zelda Link's Awakening is an extremely well done remake and stays true to the original in all of the best ways. The wonderful new art style and score make this hands-down my new favourite way to experience this classic. The lack of hand-holding may make things challenging for first-time younger players, but a solution is thankfully never too far away. Whether you've played the original a hundred times or have never experienced it at all, the Switch version is far and away the best way to play it today.

Rockstar have created one of the most imaginative and cleverly designed DLC packs this year.

They've done it folks, Insomniac has made one of the best superhero games I've ever played. Marvel's Spider-Man is yet another exclusive jewel in both Insomniac Games and Sony's crown. They're going to need a scepter to go with that thing soon.

Suitable for all ages, it's a winning combination of that ‘old school’ charm and the Wii’s versatility. An absolute must for the Mario fan, and a recommended addition to the casual gamer's Christmas wish list.

Donkey Kong Country Returns could just be the best side-scrolling platformer of this generation.

Black Ops is a competent shooter that comes packed with compelling multiplayer modes and additional content.

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.

If you are the type of person that enjoys a game that challenges your thinking capacity instead, then Zack and Wiki should be on your wish list.

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.

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

Little King’s Story is a little beauty; fans of Nintendo’s classic ‘cutesy’ titles such as Animal Crossing and Pikmin will truly love it. We may be finished with the reviewing side of things but are still playing Little King’s Story... which is probably the best endorsement we can give any game.

Titanfall 2 is a gigantic stompy robot that for whatever reason is slipping by gamers unnoticed. This is a travesty, as it's an incredible title – easily one of the best of the year.

Ultimately however, the strength of Origins lies in the whimsical subject matter tied into a surprisingly strong platform foundation that manages to both enthral and entertain. There's real intelligence behind the unfolding action, and the sense that the title has been slaved over by developers who understand not only the franchise, but the very concept of what it takes to make a compelling 2D platformer.

If you're looking for a nourishing gaming experience sprinkled with the addictive sea-salt of Pokémania, then these games are for you.

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.

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.

An incredible update to a much-loved title, WipEout HD has set the bar for high-speed, high-adrenaline racing! A must for every PS3 owner.

A glorious celebration of guns and violence.

An interactive experience like no other. Perfect for unwinding after a long day.

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.

Pikmin 3's release in Japan gave the Wii U a significant sales boost in that territory, and it's easy to see why. A wholesome yet colourful and engaging title, Pikmin 3 has wide appeal, and a great multiplayer mode to boot.

Warhammer II is a worthy successor to its older brother, and fans of either series will relish the chance to throw themselves into its immersive world. However, those same shop-worn Total War tropes that were pretty past it last time have surely well and truly earned a peaceful retirement now.

Warlords of Draenor is WoW at its very best, a return to and step beyond form for the behemoth MMO.

Developer SCEE Cambridge has struck the finest of balances between determining what the port platform is capable of and what the game is all about – before creating new content to make up the difference.