Bowser’s Minions is certainly a Marmite game, it won’t be for everyone but it’s a nice diversion from the main story. Although, considering how good the main story is, you might not want to be distracted from it. It’s good looking, humorous, and overall really good fun to play, there are mild annoyances with how the touchscreen is put to use, but they’re unlikely to spoil the joy the game will ultimately bestow upon you. It’s been fourteen years, but it’s time to get lost in the Beanbean Kingdom again.

We are starting to sound like a broken record here, but Zen’s mastery and understanding of both table design and expert use of a license put them right up there with the best that gaming 2014 has to offer.

Incredible to look at, to listen to, but most importantly to play, Sony should be pushing this one to the moon as a prime reason to own their excellent handheld.

Beyond Galaxyland shouldn't be missed, with exciting turn-based combat, a world ripe for exploration, and beautifully written characters.

Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes - Definitive Edition is a belter of a puzzle game, with a lengthy campaign full of clever ideas.

Mario Party Superstars won't change anyone's mind, but for those of us who enjoy it, there ain't no party like a Mario Party-party.

Before Your Eyes is an emotional tale with an interesting mechanic at its core that helps to make the game so immersive. The music and voice acting is superb, and it is something you should certainly experience.

It may not be revolutionary, but it adds just enough to pique interests while keeping the core experience we’ve all grown up with, regardless of age. Mario Kart is one of those timeless franchises that every age group can enjoy, and sometimes, that’s enough to celebrate.

While later levels can get incredibly difficult, Pwnee Studios absolutely nailed the difficulty curve and Story Mode completion is attainable for the majority of players, thanks to some well-implemented player aids.

One of the best HD remakes you will find, with worthy additions to an already great game.

In yet another fantastic entry, you're treated to more fluidity in combat, a gorgeous world to explore, and so much to do outside the main story it's ridiculous.

Shovel Knight is a genuine success.

As addictive and accessible as ever, Diablo 3 on consoles is a fit more comfortable than anyone predicted, and proves that Blizzard not only listen to their fans, but are willing to walk the extra mile even for a port. Especially in this day and age, that’s an impressive ethic.

With a fantastic cast of starring and supporting characters, a story that appears to have multiple levels to it, a cracking script, and a hitch-free engine (though it’s the first episode, so let’s revisit that later, perhaps?), Tales from the Borderlands has taken me completely by surprise. As someone who enjoys both Telltale and Gearbox’s games, this is a marriage made in heaven, but there’s so much style and intrigue that anyone can enjoy this.

Innovative gameplay and incredible aesthetics make Huntdown a must play run and gun shooter. With an array of difficulty options, side objectives and even co-op, it's a perfect starting point in the genre for all gaming backgrounds.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! is a great blend of the old and the new, bringing the same great adventure to the present, and incorporating Pokémon Go brilliantly to help newcomers feel welcome.

Trine 2: Complete Story is still a brilliantly charming game, and the PS4 version is the definitive iteration by some distance, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that Frozenbyte need to move on now and work on number 3 – or something new altogether.

Stylish, simplistic and a whole load of fun, get some mates round and have a tournament, you’ll thank me later.

Dave the Diver on Nintendo Switch is a game that thoroughly deserves your attention, even in an already packed year of classics.

The game might seem to be a little formulaic to veterans of CRPGs but it is not without innovations of its own. For developer Event Horizon, Tower of Time is an astounding entry that gives fans of the CRPG genre something different to sink their teeth into.

Whether you're a veteran of the genre or a relative newcomer, Planetfall will keep you plotting and planning your rise to glory for a long time.

FixFox respects your time, offering a wholesome adventure filled with puzzles, quirky characters, and a laid back journey through space.

Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 is one of the best fighting games available today and one that is brilliant for both newcomers and veterans alike.

Underdogs is a fantastic fighter than utilises its physics-based combat beautifully, with engaging fights and a superb roguelike structure.

Shoot em’ Up fans will love it, and I have a feeling newcomers to the genre will be drawn in by its stylish looks and awesome soundtrack. Whack it on and take it for a spin – Bit.Trip Fate is another cracker.

Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins is a fantastic game, providing tons of cool nods to the series, some great gameplay, and an engrossing story.

F1 2021 is the complete package. Braking Point is an excellent single-player experience, driving is perfection, and there's so much to do. It really does have everything, regardless of whether you are a fan of the sport or not.

A creative triumph, with new ideas that last the entire game, some of the best boss battles in ages, and praiseworthy presentation. Paper Mario: The Origami King is only let down by some of the general combat being a bit skippable.

Unquestionably the finest Pokémon game for years, Y offers a huge challenge in many other ways than just the battles – and there is so much to enjoy.

A Bird Story is a fantastic and short pixel art visual novel that you need to experience.

A traditional MMO expansion, delivering more World of Warcraft, while quietly improving its framework through cinematic touches, delivering greater variety in dungeon design, and adding compelling social game undercurrents.

It’s a game that creates moments you’ll remember with characters you’ve created and care about and is quite possibly the best example of its genre to date.

Braid Anniversary Edition is a reminder of how good the original was, with stellar visuals and puzzles that are tough yet rewarding.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection bundles up two of the best games in this wonderful series, and demands to be played.

By far the best first person shooter released this year. It is often brutal and totally unflinching in its depiction of the violence people do to each other, but it is also hilarious and moving and tells a very human story.

Bleak Sword DX is a simple action game, but its combat is simply sublime and it had a whole lot of enemy and level variety to keep things interesting.

An amazing first person dungeon crawler for fans of Persona 3 and 4, but not a gateway into the Persona series.

Arguably the pre-eminent puzzle title for the Wii U, don’t let the fact that this is half a decade old put you off. It is a fresh take on a classic game that makes fine use of the hardware.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a gorgeous, brilliantly clever game in a series that continues to be unique and innovative.

Broken Rules’ Old Man’s Journey is a memorable adventure game with a few puzzles that has you take control of an old man and experience an emotional story.

Full Throttle Remastered is a fantastic point and click heavy metal adventure that is an essential for fans of the genre.

Future Tone is the ultimate collection for any Miku fan, and a great starting point for new players. The number of songs and modules is staggering, and the 1080p/60fps visuals look incredible on PlayStation 4. This truly is a Miku masterpiece.

This is easily the best version of the game and a fantastic rhythm game that I’d put alongside Superbeat Xonic which is my favourite one on the platform.

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition doesn’t get much wrong throughout, and the inclusion of new levels and enemies adds longevity to an already great experience. It can be a little repetitive if played for long periods, but the unique and likeable art-style and effortlessly enjoyable combat carry it through.

Paranormasight tells a gripping story full of murder and mystery, with some moments you simply have to experience yourself.

Considering the lengthy campaign, Pikmin 3 is great value for money. Offering multiple ways to play, it is so incredibly well-designed that it’s hard not to feel impressed with the confidence – and that’s without considering how beautiful it looks in HD, or how wonderful it sounds (the soundtrack is luscious).

Double Fine has done another great on remastering a classic, delicately updating it in such a way that what stood out in 1993 stands out all over again more than 20 years later.

Aragami is a superb stealth game with a gorgeous visual design and a protagonist that feels as lithe and graceful as you'd expect a ninja to be.

Future Tone is the ultimate collection for any Miku fan, and a great starting point for new players. The number of songs and modules is staggering, and the 1080p/60fps visuals look incredible on PlayStation 4. This truly is a Miku masterpiece.

Risk of Rain 2 is an excellent time that takes you from a scrappy fight with some pesky aliens to a desperate battle for survival in a 3D bullet hell every run.

The Switch version has excellent HD Rumble support. I think WayForward is one of the few developers to nail this in each release. Shantae looks and runs brilliantly on the Switch across both modes as well. It is a near perfect port as far as I’m concerned and the only thing I would’ve wanted more than the current release is a co-op mode with single Joy-Con support.

Asobo Studios have delivered a runaway hit with A Plague Tale: Requiem. This is the very best kind of sequel: one that builds upon everything that came before and pays homage to its predecessor, while still carving its own path. Breathtaking.

Quite frankly, each game in the Ratchet & Clank trilogy is as charming and playable now as it was when first released.

One of the best mobile games I’ve ever played. Its simplicity and rewarding nature is a cut above most App Store fodder, and I’ve never had so much trouble tearing myself away from my phone. It’s better than BBQ ribs.

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is an easy recommendation to any fan of the genre with its lush visuals, memorable soundtrack and varied environments, making it one of the best 2D platformers of recent times.

Mashing together Starcraft and XCOM, Spaceland is one of the most fun, turn-based strategy games out there.

Metroid Dread is nearly the perfect return for Samus, and only some difficulty spikes rain on the parade. This is a tight, responsive 2D Metroid experience that constantly impresses and surprises in equal measure and is the perfect way to launch the new Switch model.

Ellen Page has given the performance of her life and David Cage has penned the best script of his. When AAA releases are serving up so much similarity, Quantic Dream buck the trend and offer something different. Don’t put your PlayStation 3 back in its box just yet, or you’ll miss the studio’s biggest triumph to date.

Open Roads offer a window into being a parent and growing up. It's emotional, insightful, and beautifully designed with an engaging story.

Horizon Chase Turbo: Senna Forever is a great add-on adds to the startling legacy of one of the most beloved sportsmen of his era.

It started nervously, almost scared of what it was, but at the end of season two, you’ll go to whomever you hold dear, and you’ll squeeze them just that little bit harder than usual. They’ll ask you why, and you won’t answer. There’s a little girl to be saved.

Super Mario Party Jamboree is the biggest and best in the series to date, with a plethora of modes, and ways to play.

From the opening moments to the end credits, everything about Kunai just oozes charm and its movement mechanics make it a joy to play. An absolute must-play.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes takes the game you loved, spins a new yarn, and throws hack and slash combat in for good measure to create a fun, accessible experience that’s incredible value for money.

Cuphead is one of the best examples of a game that was “perfect for Switch” actually getting a port that is also perfect. I expected to see Cuphead on Switch (and even PS4) eventually but never thought I’d get such a fantastic conversion on Switch.

A superb puzzle game that has the added bonus of being cross-buy.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a fantastic return to the franchise's roots, and one of the strongest examples of the genre I've played.

Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure is an engaging puzzle game full of heart, charm and a whole lot of variety.

Twitch-based gameplay at its finest, with some of the best music ever featured in a game. Wrong Number ramps everything up to varying degrees of success.

Wild Hearts is a fantastic video game. It has so much flair and personality, and so much of it is designed with fun in mind.

MLB The Show 24 is a wonderfully curated sports sim that has made some great improvements to the defensive game. The Storylines are great fun, and Road to the Show is another great way to experience the ball game.

Game Builder Garage is typically brilliant Nintendo, offering a way of creating levels that is only stymied by the lack of online community and curation options.

Solium Infernum is one of the most exciting and enjoyable strategy games of recent years, offering a fresh approach to the board game genre.

In Sheep’s Clothing ends on one of the best cliffhangers you could imagine.

Even with the focus on multiplayer, this is an adventure that is just as enjoyable for lone heroes, especially for those who fancy a challenge.

This is an essential purchase for all Wii U owners who love the JRPG genre.

A Highland Song is such a beautiful game, whether you find its charm in the soundtrack, gorgeous visuals, or wonderful story.

With some great improvements on and off the track F1 2020 is an exceptional racer, and the one to beat this year.

FRU is a great puzzle platformer and the best use of Kinect to date. Unique controls, fun gameplay and challenging puzzles make this essential for any Kinect owner.

10 Second Ninja X is a masterclass in simple design over showboating.

Whether the year it was released has affected the way Super Mario 3D All-Stars came together, we’ll probably never know, but it still comes with a wholehearted recommendation simply due to the quality of the games.

You can lean in and see your little mouse friend Quill up close, and it’s a beautiful game, full stop.

Mutazione has a beautifully written narrative filled with wonderful characters and a captivating story.

From the gorgeous visuals to the smooth, frenetic combat and environments that beg to be explored, the quality on display here is incredibly impressive. Despite a smattering of minor issues and a few iffy design choices, Darksiders Genesis is still a fantastic videogame, and might even be the best Darksiders game to date.

Soul Reaver 1 and 2 Remastered is a great collection, elevated more by the simple joy of playing through the campaigns again.

Islands of Insight is one of the most ambitious puzzle games I've played, with a huge open world and progression hooks that make it essential.

Neon White is as addictive as it is challenging, with plenty of replayability and varied gameplay, looking gorgeous at every step. It's a magnificent take on the FPS-genre, building complex and thrilling levels where simply pulling the trigger isn't enough.

Season: A Letter to the Future is an emotional adventure full of relatable characters, gorgeous locations and a whole lot of scrapbooking.

Planet of Lana is a wonderful puzzler with visuals that will leave you in awe, along with a stunning soundtrack and plenty of challenges.

Dungeon Encounters is a hardcore experience, that some will dismiss as overly simple. More fool them.

A Normal Lost Phone is an intimate, affecting discussion of LGBTQ+ issues—one which does not shy away from candidness—all in a handy hour-long experience.

There's no question Housemarque once again gets its own brand of chaos spot on, and you're going to love what they've got in store for you this time.

Undying offers one of the most authentic survival games I've played, with fantastic gameplay and a story that sticks with you for a long time.

Borderlands Legendary Collection is an incredible port, suffering very little slowdown or visual impairment. If you missed this series before, now's the perfect time.

The Last Campfire is a charming puzzler with gorgeous visuals and a poignant message, told throughout worlds ripe for exploring.

Two Point Hospital is a triumphant return to the fun and frantic style of Nineties management sims, with the adorable visuals to match.

112 Operator may not look particularly exciting to an observer, but to put yourself in the hot-seat and actually play is exhilarating.

Fire Emblem Fates is an incredible package and an experience that rivals the very best the 3DS has to offer.