It expands the boundaries of what peoples’ idea of video games are; they’re not just sadistic shoot ‘em ups or mind-numbing ridiculousness. Sometimes they’re real life; they’re heartbreaking and devastating. If for no other reason than that, That Dragon, Cancer deserves your attention.

Alienation is undoubtedly one of the best games currently available on the PS4. Go buy it. Now. You won’t be disappointed.

Not only does Monster Hunter Wilds introduce meaningful new mechanics and features that improve the already stellar core gameplay, it presents players with an assortment of new and interesting monsters to do battle against. And thanks to its changeable environments, it feels more dynamic than ever. Without a doubt, this is the best entry in the series yet, and an early contender for 2025's Game of the Year.

Cyberpunk 2077 isn't perfect, but it is ambitious. It marries a gripping story with a huge open world absolutely dripping with atmosphere; one in which, after fifty hours of gameplay, I still feel like I've only scratched its surface. Even now I'm itching to jump back in and complete yet more side jobs, not only because they're enjoyable, but also just in case they offer V more options when it comes to ending their story. I'm even contemplating starting over anew to change the outcome of some events with the benefit of hindsight. If you were expecting a light-hearted affair full of futuristic hijinks then you might not find what you want here – though it does let its hair down every once in a while. Instead, what Cyberpunk 2077 delivers is a surprisingly serious story that's genuinely touching at times, with gameplay that lets you be in charge of your destiny. If you want your experience in Night City to be as polished as possible, perhaps hold back until a patch or two has landed to iron out some kinks, but you'll definitely want to visit soon. Phenomenal, that's what Cyberpunk 2077 is.

The Last of Us Part II is Naughty Dog’s magnum opus; the result of years spent mastering its craft. It has visuals that defy the generation, audio design that is simply sublime, and a story that is genuinely thought-provoking. It’s more than a game; it’s a work of art.

We absolutely loved Final Fantasy VII Remake, but it's safe to say that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth surpasses it in every possible way. It's a masterpiece. It tells a grander tale, with more twists and turns that keep you on your feet. And while some new story elements may rub some players up the wrong way, they keep things feeling fresh, and make us keen to see where Square Enix will take things next. Ultimately, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has exceeded our expectations, building on the original game and indeed Final Fantasy VII Remake, delivering a sequel that feels bigger and better in all regards.

Diablo III on Switch is simply spectacular. It’s a phenomenal port that really shows what the Switch is capable of, and honestly, I think it might just be my favourite version of the game yet.

Every single moment of Kena: Bridge of Spirits is simply wonderful. Very few games are as pleasing to the eyes, and coming from an indie studio – making its very first game, of all things – that's something quite remarkable. Even more remarkable is that Kena isn't simply a visual showcase, either. It's challenging, fun to play, and has a world teeming with life. It also tells a fantastic story, and there's plenty to do even when the credits have rolled. Kena: Bridge of Spirits truly is something special, and I can't wait to see what Ember Lab does next.

The years spent shaping Red Dead Redemption 2 into what it is has been worth it. Rockstar hasn't just created a video game; it has created as close to a living, breathing digital world as can be. It's not so much something that you play, it's something that you visit and experience. Something you willingly get lost in... This is the new benchmark by which open world games will be measured, but none will be meeting its heady heights anytime soon.

For £7, you have one of the finest examples of not just a shoot’em up, but of any small-scale arcade-style experience game out there.

There’s not a single misstep in Botany Manor. It looks fantastic, and it’s supported by a gorgeous, if sometimes subtle, soundtrack. It’s the puzzles that take the limelight, though: they’re almost flawless in design, requiring just the amount of brainwork to complete. The perfect blend of exploration and puzzle-solving makes Botany Manor an absolute delight — and as thrilled as we were that Arabella got to finish her book, we were gutted that it meant our time with her was over.

You can see why this was voted the best mobile game of 2015; it really is that good, and on console it’s better than ever before!

Final Fantasy VII Remake is the best JRPG from Square since Final Fantasy VII. It takes a classic, carefully builds on it, and although certain changes made to the story may not be as well-received by all players, overall there's no denying that it's a massive success.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a remarkable accomplishment and a truly triumphant return of a storied franchise. Masterfully executed on all fronts, this game will leave a lasting impression on you long after you’re done.

Whether you're brand new to The Last of Us Part 2 or already own it on PS4 and are upgrading to this remastered version for the extra bells and whistles, you're in for a treat. Thanks to the visual and performance improvements, there's no better way to experience the grim, shocking and sometimes uncomfortable story of The Last of Us Part 2. And once that ordeal is over, a great effort has been made here to allow you an interesting insight into the game's development. It's the elements here that allow you to extend your play that really make the difference, though. From new unlockable outfits to the brilliant No Return roguelike mode, chances are you'll keep playing The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered long after the credits have rolled.

I could wax lyrical about so many elements of Life is Strange: True Colors, going into detail about every tiny thing that makes its storytelling so incredible, but I won't. The narrative should be uncovered as you play it, and going in with as little knowledge as possible will make those twists and turns have that much more impact. This is without a doubt the best game in the series yet. The characterisation, the worldbuilding, the visuals, the facial animations – practically everything here is flawless. With True Colors, Deck Nine has solidified itself as the master of narrative adventure, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

We had high expectations for Diablo 4, and we're so happy to say that Blizzard has smashed them. This is a title that takes Diablo 3's meaningful quality-of-life improvements and expands upon them with aplomb, while also bringing back the much-loved look and feel of Diablo 2. All the while, it's not too focused on the past, taking the series into open world territory and making it more story-led than ever before. And what a story it tells: we never expected to be so invested. But more importantly, we can't wait to start a new character and jump once again into the endgame. Diablo 4 is devilishly good – the best Diablo game yet, in fact, and it only stands to get better.

Accessible, engaging, thought-provoking, and packed full of content, Catherine: Full Body is one of those rare things: a perfect game.

For those who want clear guidelines on how to progress, many will find the obfuscation and mystery of Kingdom tiring after a while. For those who want to know how to get platinum gamerscore, or how to beat the game in the quickest way possible, again, Kingdom will stubbornly refuse to comply with those needs.

With its stunning presentation, brilliant writing and engaging gameplay, Dispatch is one of the best interactive narrative games ever made. It's impossible to play this without growing to love its characters.

Forza Horizon 4 feels like a labour of love; a game for car lovers by car lovers. But also, it's an engrossing experience that's rewarding every step of the way. Exploring the map feels just as worthwhile as completing events. And its seamless multiplayer features, Forzathon challenges and seasonal events mean that you're not likely to grow tired of it for years. It is, without a doubt, the best racing game available right now.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the best Yakuza game to date. Its story is gripping and has a brilliant pace, its combat is tighter and more engaging, and there’s such a varied range of sub-stories and side activities to absorb yourself in that it offers great longevity.

A true love letter to classic samurai films, Ghost of Yotei is wonderfully presented and an absolute joy to play. Its stunningly-realised world will have you immersed from the outset, spurring you to explore and discover its secrets in order to develop Atsu into a fearsome ghost. And its combat remains thrilling throughout.

Not only did Lady and the Painter have a fantastic and interesting story, it had enjoyable and engaging, exciting combat, beautiful artwork and an ending that will have players begging for more.

By adding a truly surprising and impeccably designed single-player campaign that is consistently fun to play, as a package Titanfall 2 is the most pure, minute-to-minute fun I’ve had with any game this year.

I’ve spent hundreds of hours playing video games before now and, at the conclusion, felt good for having completed it… but it’s those shorter games, games like Pinstripe, that stick out in my mind as having formed a real connection and left a lasting impression.

It’s probably as close to perfection as an arcade racer could possibly be. The visuals are simply phenomenal, the sound effects and soundtrack bring aural pleasure to your ears, and the gameplay is infectiously addictive.

Bloober Team has achieved what some thought was impossible: it has taken the horror classic Silent Hill 2 and made it even better. This is a phenomenal remake that remains faithful to the original while adding new content and features that elevate the overall experience. It's a must-play for horror fans; a truly terrifying journey with an unforgettable story and plenty of replayability.