Machinarium is one of the best games of the year. It stands as a pillar of excellence for all independent developers, and will undoubtedly be revered for years to come.

Snoopy Flying Aces is an absolute blast to play and offers one of the best experiences available on XBLA. Don't write it off just because of a certain famous beagle.

If you're worried about getting your $10 worth of gameplay out of Hotline, don't be. I would have paid at least twice the price for the game as is. With the promise of more levels, I can't see anyone being upset about the value of the game.

In the end, Lollipop Chainsaw is above all else a fun game. It has some issues (like most action games), but it's a non-stop outlandish joyride from start to finish. Thankfully, there's a ton of content packed in, and completionists will probably need 15-20 hours to obtain absolutely everything (rankings included) .

This is the best thing EA has done since they acquired Bioware. Instead of pumping out games that bring everything to the table, and only really offer a few things, they put out a title that offers one thing, and plenty of it.

All in all, I see a lot of classic Treyarch in Escalation (for some people, for good or bad). While people may not have the best things to say about Treyarch's programming ability, when it comes to level design, I think they have first person shooters down pat. Unless you're completely bored of Black Ops, I'd highly recommend picking up this map pack – even over the first one.

With its electrifying blend of raw speed, intense pursuits, wince worthy crashes and revolutionary Autolog system, Hot Pursuit is an adrenaline-fueled rush that's a sure contender for racing game of the year and the best Need for Speed in all too long.

Thankfully, Death himself is an infinitely more interesting protagonist than War, which makes the story a bit more tolerable. Death is a bit of a wise ass, yet he will stop at nothing to protect those that he cares about. He isn't going to be winning any depth awards anytime soon, but for an action game, he's easily one of the more interesting, and cooler heroes to hit the action scene in the last ten years.

While it falls short of FIFA 10 in many respects, 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa rewards players with an accessible and ultimately rewarding game. There are plenty of elements to improve for Brazil 2014, but, as it stands, this title is a must-have for sports fans.

The best MMA game to date. Fans of the fighting genre should jump on UFC Undisputed 2010 with both hands and never let go. The fighting system has been perfected, while entertainment value soars with increased options.

While Child of Eden's appeal may not be universal, those with an open mind will have a blast.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a triumph, not only in the genre of horror games, but also in the field of interactive story telling.

LeChuck's Revenge is one of those rare games that we can truly feel privileged to experience, and this mostly faithful recreation is a necessity for aficionado and newcomer alike.

While hardcore PC fans will find this game too simple for their taste, there is a tremendous amount of appeal to both men and women, and players of all ages.

With its electrifying blend of raw speed, intense pursuits, wince worthy crashes and revolutionary Autolog system, Hot Pursuit is an adrenaline-fueled rush that's a sure contender for racing game of the year and the best Need for Speed in all too long.

While it doesn't quite have the same penetrating, vivid experience as the original, BioShock 2 spins a thrilling tale of Sofia Lamb, "The Family," and their maniacal ideals of Utopian society. Multiplayer does have its' high points, but pales in comparison to the finely crafted single player.

A charming, self-deprecating, retro-steeped homage to classic gameplay conventions set to a rockin' speed metal soundtrack. At only ten hours, the ride is short, but each second of gameplay is packed with an immediacy unmatched in current games on any console.

The more Americanised approach to the series may scald some long time fans, but DIRT 2’s core driving experience remains a consistently superb and thrilling ride from start to finish.

It's safe to say that although there are some elements they could iron out by the time Halo 5 hits the shelves, 343 did an excellent job making Halo relevant again.

Intelligent Systems did a great job adding accessibility to the Fire Emblem series without sacrificing its core philosophy. Whether you're a series newcomer or an old Fire Emblem veteran, Fire Emblem: Awakening has something for you.

FIFA 11 is the best football game around. Football fanatics won't put it down, sports lovers will appreciate the depth of gameplay offered, and even the average gamer will be able to enjoy a few solid months of multiplayer action.

For the first time in years, the Dynasty Warriors series scores points for originality. Strikeforce is guaranteed to win over the hearts of naysayers.

If you're a Dark Souls fan, you need to buy this right away. If you're a casual fan who sounds like they're frustrated by the mere premise of accessing this content, you should probably back away now.

An essential purchase for arcade shooter fanatics and a showstopper for Ninty's console.

Fight Night Round 4 looks simply amazing; never has a slow-motion blood-squirting smash to the face looked better in high resolution. Combined with a physics engine that may have no competitor and a control scheme that feels natural and responsive, FNR4 quickly fiddles with perfection, but falls short with some abusing AI and some lackluster career options, though EA Canada’s efforts are definitely in the right direction.

Greatly improved gameplay mechanics make it a long lasting gridiron enjoyment. Overall Madden NFL 10 is a step in the right direction for the series and well worth the upgrade from Madden 2009.

Catherine is a truly rare experience that combines arcade-style gameplay with one of the most engaging, emotional narratives seen in a videogame. While Atlus has done little to reconcile the game's disparate styles of play, it doesn't damage the overall experience. While the tower climbing sequences may not be for everyone, those that enjoy a good puzzle should seriously consider picking Catherine up.

Catherine is a truly rare experience that combines arcade-style gameplay with one of the most engaging, emotional narratives seen in a videogame. While Atlus has done little to reconcile the game's disparate styles of play, it doesn't damage the overall experience. While the tower climbing sequences may not be for everyone, those that enjoy a good puzzle should seriously consider picking Catherine up.

Retro City Rampage is a labor of love, and one you will not want to miss.

Dead Rising 2 is a fantastically fun title, so long as you approach it from the right point of view.

If you enjoyed the original, give Runner 2 a try — if you didn’t, and you’re a rhythm fan — try it anyways.

Fractal: Make Blooms Not War is sharper and more mature than its predecessor because of it. And, in my opinion, its more enjoyable.

Old World Blues is one of the best Fallout DLCs yet. It's funny, it's packed with content, and it offers solid rewards for players who are looking to add to their Courier's arsenal. If you skipped on the previous two content packs, make sure to pick this one up.

The finest first-person shooter experience since Bioshock. It is a great pity that so many people will pass this game by.

Old World Blues is one of the best Fallout DLCs yet. It's funny, it's packed with content, and it offers solid rewards for players who are looking to add to their Courier's arsenal. If you skipped on the previous two content packs, make sure to pick this one up.

Once again, GTA proves that it is not affected by small stature - Chinatown Wars is the definitive handheld GTA experience that is further enhanced by the PSP's vastly superior presentation.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a new classic that still manages to pay homage to the source material.

Vibrant visuals, great arcade sound, touchscreen native gameplay that's smooth and enjoyable, and even achievement and leaderboard integration via OpenFeint all combine to make this a must grab for those with a shmup-ish itch to scratch on the go.

My absolute favorite aspect of Arkham Asylum has to be its boss fights.

Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon is a gorgeous, engaging and touching experience, and one that no Wii owner should be without.

Although it’s a very brief adventure that isn’t filled out quite as much as I would have hoped, Tearaway is a must-buy for all PlayStation Vita owners. It shows off the hardware’s many flourishes perfectly, and couples it with a solid foundation to boot.

While I don't think that this recent entry is the best in the series, make no mistake - Mass Effect 3 is still a really solid game that shouldn't be missed.

Just like Origins before it, Legends is a must-have for fans of the genre.

Elizabeth is easily one of the best characters to come out of gaming this generation, and Irrational Games, and her actress(es) did an excellent job bringing her to the small screen.

As long as you're not expecting anything completely revolutionary, you should get your money's worth with Where's My Perry? If history repeats itself, you're going to get a ton of extra free levels via content updates, and optional $0.99 IAP storylines. Even if none of that was coming, it would still be worth the meager price of entry.

Taking one of the most popular and iconic bands of all time and creating a game about their music could not have been easy, but Harmonix handles it beautifully, instilling a level of love and attention to detail that no other developer could.

In the end, FIFA Soccer 13 does a fantastic job of iterating on the core gameplay mechanics and providing a fun, realistic experience.

Even if you’ve never played an Assassin’s Creed game before, Black Flag is a great place to start, most notably due to its emphasis on a concise narrative with likeable and engaging characters.

Blast Off is the best PSP Mini to hit the PSN so far. Though it may not have much in terms of depth, the challenge offered is tremendously addictive. Blast Off is a shining example of what all Minis and gaming-Apps should strive for.

If you can get past the game's mission-based structure and lack of replay value for the common gamer, you'll find an epic tale of betrayal and intrigue in Assassin's Creed that really shouldn't be missed.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy mixes a near perfect fan service with tight gameplay, unrivaled visuals, and an extensive amount of side-content. This IP should not be passed up.

Bravely Default really is something special.

Despite the same-day release as Sega’s pivotal action adventure title, Vigil Games’ debut is a fine introduction to their future repertoire. The bar for 2010 has been raised a little early, but hey, so did the Apocalypse - and look what that got us.

It's no Burnout beater, but this is about as close as anything will get to matching the intensity, lunacy and destructibility of Criterion's baby. Consistently enthralling, Split/Second's fiery formula brings a new lease on life to the arcade racing genre - we can only hope it's a franchise that's here to stay.

Despite the newer casual direction of Ninja Gaiden, a series that was made popular with sadistic gameplay, hardcore gamers will still have a ton of fun with Sigma 2.

Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth is one of the best retro games I can ever remember playing. Some gamers might find it to be too short or too antiquated, but it definitely holds its own when compared to the old games that established the series.

Don’t pass this one by. Sitting at less than half the standard price of a 360 or PS3 game, A Boy and His Blob offers more entertainment and replay value than most Wii titles can attest to.

It's only right that the best online first person shooter of 2010 is rewarded with the best DLC package of 2010. DICE has once again unleashed a superbly executed entry in the Battlefield franchise that provides Bad Company 2 with a well deserved new lease of life.

It's only right that the best online first person shooter of 2010 is rewarded with the best DLC package of 2010. DICE has once again unleashed a superbly executed entry in the Battlefield franchise that provides Bad Company 2 with a well deserved new lease of life.

It’s a welcome reprieve from games with highly complex battle systems or overwrought narratives, and takes you on a beautiful, if occasionally frustrating, trip.

Despite the remaining core gameplay issues and the poor commentary, Madden NFL 12 is a great title. While superstar mode needs some work and online franchise could use some love, offline franchise is simply fantastic and is well worth dozens of hours of your attention. If you enjoyed Madden NFL 11 and are a fan of franchise mode, this game is a must.

For 10 dollars, The Secret of Monkey Island: SE is a steal. The game pays homage to series enthusiasts, as well as making it accessible to an entire new generation of gamers.

But as long as you like rhythm games, turning it away simple because it isn't fun to watch would be a major mistake, as Blitz is one of the most enjoyable rhythm titles I've played in years. All of the nuances involved make it much more interesting than simply attempting to "get 100% of the notes," which is something truly special.

For $20, The Ball is a perfect way to kill time until Portal 2.

Wii Sports Resort expands upon the enjoyment and accessibility of it’s predecessor in nearly every aspect.

BlazBlue: Continuum Shift is a worthy upgrade from Calamity Trigger, and is probably the best fighter on the market for catering to casual and competitive players alike. Here's hoping a new version isn't announced in two months.

BlazBlue: Continuum Shift is a worthy upgrade from Calamity Trigger, and is probably the best fighter on the market for catering to casual and competitive players alike. Here's hoping a new version isn't announced in two months.

Certainly a worthy entry for any fan of RPG's, Persona 3 Portable stands as one of the longest, deepest, most time-consuming entries on the PSP to date.

Bursting with modes, missions and mascots, it is easily the most polished kart racer of recent years, enhanced by Sega’s rich history and simple, fun gameplay.

EA Sports Active 2 stands as one of the better fitness games on the market and sets an example for future endeavors in this genre.

A model for the successful re-envisioning of a classic series, Tecmo Bowl Throwback mixes old and new in a way that appeals to those looking for nostalgia and those just looking for a spot of fun in the long football offseason.

Amalur is a game that makes no pretenses about what it is. Every town has people in need, every monster needs killing, and every cave and dungeon needs exploring. You'll want to keep taking on quests because maybe you'll get a new sword that does more damage and looks cooler. Its dedication to enhancing player-power makes it a joy to play, even if a few minor issues keep it from true excellence.

EA Sports Active 2 stands as one of the better fitness games on the market and sets an example for future endeavors in this genre.

In an era where retro games are almost sickeningly trendy to make, New Super Mario Bros. Wii turns back the clock and does it right. Other developers doing retro games ought to take notes.

Even with its blemishes though, I really enjoyed my time with Shin Megami Tensei IV, and the demon collection and fusion system remains just as addicting as ever — just don’t expect it to top some of the other entries in the series, including Nocturne.

Guitar Hero has started to become somewhat stale in recent installments, but this fifth version prsents a refreshing take on the music genre, with its abundance of party play options and all round accessibility.

All in all, Dark Souls is a more difficult, but less enjoyable (and less accessible) Demon's Souls.

An overall better game than its predecessor, Puzzle Quest 2 expands upon and streamlines the formula to produce one of the most enjoyable puzzle games ever.

All in all, Dark Souls is a more difficult, but less enjoyable (and less accessible) Demon's Souls.

Ultimately, Modern Warfare 3 feels similar to it's brethren, but that doesn't mean it isn't a great game. The single player element is still exciting, and multiplayer has more options than ever – if you're a fan of Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 3 is a no brainer.

Overall, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 is a great experience. The gameplay mechanics and modes introduced this year are a great step in the right direction.

Worms 2: Armageddon is a great arcade title that offers more content than most retail boxes, and at times, better gameplay.

All in all, Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance might be my favorite game in the franchise. I'd have to replay Kingdom Hearts 2 to truly decide, but as it stands, the franchise's latest 3DS iteration is an excellent addition to the series.

L.A. Noire may have a handful of gameplay faults, but overall, it's an incredibly engrossing experience you won't want to miss out on.

DJ Hero 2 takes the logical next step for a music simulator by improving and developing the formula for another successful and enjoyable game

L.A. Noire may have a handful of gameplay faults, but overall, it's an incredibly engrossing experience you won't want to miss out on.

A great continuation to the Kingdom Hearts saga, 358/2 Days offers great customization options, fluid gameplay and awesome visuals, but suffers from recycled material.

This reinvention of You Don't Know Jack is one of the best the series has had to offer, given all of the new features for this current generation.

This reinvention of You Don't Know Jack is one of the best the series has had to offer, given all of the new features for this current generation.

On one hand, it’s a very by the numbers campaign based shooter that doesn’t reflect a whole lot onto the overall lore of the franchise. On the other, it’s a magnificent multiplayer game that’s easily the best offering on the Vita so far. Wherever your proclivities lie in terms of player with others will no doubt change your expectations, but I personally had a blast online with Mercenary, and I think most shooter fans will too.

While Left 4 Dead 2 is a fantastic game that delivers an incredible experience, many of the new features just feel like additional content that could have made the original even better.

Pandora’s Tower may not be remembered as fondly as other games in the Wii’s lineup, and it feels a bit dated right out of the gate, but I couldn’t think of a better third party sendoff for the Wii.

Retribution is a solid stand alone expansion that I would have no problem paying $50 for... and it retails for $30.

After years of playing second fiddle in the action-adventure genre, Yakuza 3 finally makes some waves with an engaging, cinematic experience that will punch you right in the face, but in awesomely brutal fashion.

The downfall is that you can only play the same level so many times before the excitement begins to wane. But regardless, it’s definitely worth the asking price. You’d be foolish not to pick it up.

DJ Hero 2 takes the logical next step for a music simulator by improving and developing the formula for another successful and enjoyable game.

LoL is a great, free alternative to DotA that caters both to newbies, and the hardcore.

Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising stands as a glowing example that not every shooter needs to be a constant action movie, providing an immersive and compelling experience that will leave you painting your face and crawling through your neighbour's garden.