Gears of War 2 is, simply put, an improvement in every aspect.

Halo 3 isn't perfect, but it's so close it's unnerving. There's very little to fault with this game, and the flaws that are there are almost completely overshadowed by the overall quality and incredible amount of content and features.

A return to gaming's roots. The best launch title for PS4 bar none.

EA Sports' NHL 11 is not only the best hockey game ever made, it is quite simply the best and most accurate sports game ever made.

A game you can lose yourself in for hours, only looking away to wonder where the time has gone. It is one of this generations great games, as simple as that.

Fallout 4 is my game of the year for 2015 and I know for a fact I won’t be finished this side of the New Year. I don’t want it to be, I love being in the world, I love discovering new things and all in all I just love this game.

Persona 4 Golden isn’t just one of the best games on the Vita to date… Actually scratch that. It is THE best game on the Vita and it is one of the finest games you will ever play. It is a lesson in craftsmanship, there is no weakness at all, at no point is there a moment where your interest falls away. Persona 4 Golden is a system seller, you must own this, even if you need to still buy a Vita to do so.

There is no element of Dust: An Elysian Tail that has a negative, from the jaw dropping visuals, to the excellent writing, through to the seamless combat and action. This is a stand out title in more ways than one. In a year that has Trials Evolution, Spelunky, Minecraft and Fez, this is the standalone best game on XBLA. If you only buy one game this year buy Dust: An Elysian Tail, there simply isn't enough superlatives to describe just how good it is.

The core of Steamworld Dig is a simple one, yet with the charm & wit it possesses really hooks you in.

Whether you're negotiating platforms (made simple thanks to a camera that pans down) or involved in the final climatic battle with Metroid Prime, you always feel as if you're at one with the game. And surely that's what gaming's all about, isn't it?

Real 'bullet-time' isn't ballet; it's no-holds carnage that ends with a radio-transmitted flatline. It's one man making a difference; it's one game making a noise. Half-Life 2 is all that - and more.

Sam Barlow has proven himself in the past to be an excellent writer, but with Her Story he has completely outdone himself and set the bar as high as it has ever been.

A mastery of games design, Super Mario 3D World shows that Nintendo are still on top of their game. Blending the old and the new into platforming gold, this is everything we could’ve wanted and more. The reason to own a Wii U has arrived.

It all adds to a package that is much much more than could ever have been dreamed of. Arcade perfect conversion that supports wheels and pad. If it was just the arcade mode alone it would have been a wonderful, adding the extra modes makes it a must have. However at a very small 800 Microsoft Points, if this isn't added to the collection, then put the controller down, step away from the console and retire.

Racing games have now changed forever, and entirely for the better - for that there can be no higher recommendation. It's that good.

It's an astonishing achievement for a handheld that nobody thought could hold this much content, or present it in such an effective way.

It isn’t a game that will appeal to everyone, as it is an open world, violent game without a moral compass. But boy can you have fun without worrying about morals.

If you're looking for a game to show off the power of your new purchase, but also get value for money then you can't go far wrong with Infinity Blade 2. Even at its launch price of £4.99 it represents great value for money, especially with developers Chair due to release updates in a similar way to IB1, adding new locations, weapons and enemies to fight all set to be free DLC at the time of writing.

How can Rockstar follow this? San Andreas is a masterpiece; the outstanding gameplay from the first two games has been extended, tweaked and applied to a fresh, original and fascinating setting. There's more than enough meat to keep you going for months, and the sheer variety of gameplay is bewildering.

Far Cry 3 is not only one of the games of this year, it is one of the games of this generation. There was nothing about it that ever came close to ruining the fun, it is a true sandbox experience and all the faults from the previous games have been ironed out. Simply put, you must buy this now!

It is fair to say that on the current generation we have a perfect racing package.

The benchmark that other Xbox titles should strive for: a solid combination of gameplay, graphics and variety.

Dark and disturbing is something that is a running theme throughout Limbo, it isn't a nice game, it isn't one that will leave a smile on your face but it is engrossing and it will have you suckered in from start to finish.

The Swapper is a wonderful example of how a puzzle platformer should be done, challenging, but without any of the frustration.

Full Spectrum Warrior ultimately delivers the most realistic console experience of war.

When a perfectly crafted game like this does come along, regardless of the era or art style, just enjoy it. It’s a truly magnificent creation.

Overall, Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance keeps the series trademark high standard of quality going.

Ironcast is a wonderous puzzle game that blends perfectly with other genres to create a stunning experience.