Challenging, addictive, immersive... provided you like stealth-based action – there hasn't been an action/RPG this good in a long while.

If there’s one music-oriented video game to buy this holiday season, it has to be The Beatles: Rock Band. Harmonix and MTV Games have created an exceptional representation of The Fab Four that needs to be lived by all music aficionados.

DiRT 2 was superlative stuff on Xbox 360 and PS3, and on PC it remains one of the most comprehensive and utterly playable off-road racing game you can buy.

It's engaging, thoughtful, mature and currently one of a kind. Unless you're the type who only looks for quick, dumb action from their video games I'd recommend this to just about anyone.

NBA 2K11 is undeniably the best game in the series yet, pushing forward just enough without leaving behind the fans who fell in love with this version of NBA in the first place.

While in many ways superior to Origins I’m giving it the same score because it’s a little bit too similar in places, nevertheless Rayman Legends is one of the best platformers of all time and you should definitely buy it if you want to have a smile on your face.

NBA 2K11 is undeniably the best game in the series yet, pushing forward just enough without leaving behind the fans who fell in love with this version of NBA in the first place.

A sprawling medieval RPG that notably refines its predecessor’s formula by taking aim at many of its rougher edges, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has plenty in store for both series veterans and newcomers. A lot of its slower simmer – whether in terms of narrative or progression – is intentional but, while it does ask for more patience than its peers, it makes sure to always repay those who stick with it for the long haul. Although there still are sore spots, with its directional combat remaining a bit unwieldy when outnumbered and its lockpick minigame a bit too wobbly for my liking, the exhiliaration felt when killing foes in full plate armor and thieving my way into shops for the medieval equivalent of a great heist always outweighed any frustration I might have felt. Pair this with a story whose twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat despite a few pacing issues and a gorgeous Bohemian countryside that makes fast traveling feel like a crime, and it’s easy to see that Warhorse Studios has successfully delivered an all-time great.

This game preys on your feelings, and is very skilled at manipulating them. Make no mistake, it takes a certain kind of person (never mind gamer) to stick with and possibly enjoy this game - we believe they are sometimes called Masochists - but Dark Souls does what it does extremely well, and it's to be applauded for that at least.

If there’s one music-oriented video game to buy this holiday season, it has to be The Beatles: Rock Band. Harmonix and MTV Games have created an exceptional representation of The Fab Four that needs to be lived by all music aficionados.

A fun, yet involving game. The action is well paced, there’s plenty of differing challenges, and the story will keep you hooked whether you’re a card fan or not.

The plot may be straightforward but the level of detail in the world could inspire countless fan fiction stories.

A masterpiece that deserves your time.

If you’ve never picked up a CKII expansion before, The Old Gods would be the perfect place to start. Saying that, there’s no reason you shouldn’t pick up the other expansions either, but we guess it depends on what you like to play as.

NHL 11 is easily one of the most feature-packed and entertaining ice hockey games ever created.

More time was spent fiddling in the control settings menu than actually getting on with the on-ice action, which speaks volumes of a title that prides itself on such an innovative system.

Bioshock 2 is an admirable experience, one that doesn't compare to the narrative of its predecessor, but carries forth the fun gameplay that was originally inspired some two years ago.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is as much of an odd RPG as its predecessor and makes little to no concessions, leveraging its many strengths and unique traits to make up for the half-baked bits.

More time was spent fiddling in the control settings menu than actually getting on with the on-ice action, which speaks volumes of a title that prides itself on such an innovative system.

Obsidian has a fantastic history of ambitious RPG titles, but none feel as confident and refined as Pentiment. This is a game that truly understands the intoxicating nature of choice in video games, and rewards you with cynical torment befitting the world it portrays.

Despite a few technical quirks (seriously Ubisoft, patch the save system), a slight shortage of non-cutscene NPC interactions and the occasional lack of constant threat Far Cry 3 is a triumph that stands out from every other shooter released this year.

Torchlight II is addictive, imagination-fuelled goodness. It never gets boring and its "just five more minutes" value is second to none. It may not have an engaging story but I don't think anyone twatting a zombie pirate called 'One-Eyed Willy' with a giant wrench will miss it.

XCOM 2 is everything a sequel should be, keeping the things that everyone loved about the first game while changing things up as much as possible. Turning XCOM into a scrappy resistance force alters the sequel considerably, not necessarily for the better but certainly for an equally interesting and different campaign. The enemy forces and AI have been revamped considerably, making for a hugely nerve-wracking and yet satisfying time, and the sheer variety in missions is superb.

In an age where punishing difficulty is finally yearned for again, Cuphead is a worthy title to the list of the best ways to test your gaming mettle.

NHL 11 is easily one of the most feature-packed and entertaining ice hockey games ever created.

What we have here is a refined and extremely confident product from a studio that has found its feet in the FPS world.

It’s the best damn football game ever made, but only by a gnat’s whisker, and if anything that whisker is merely the updated seasonal player data which separates it from Pro "Evolution Soccer 5."

The Witcher 2 itself is still an incredible title that really makes you feel that you're having an impact on the people and politics of this world, and the Enhanced Edition only makes it better.