The horrible feeling that creeps over your skin as you play makes you want to stop, but the gameplay is good enough that you’ll keep going regardless. If you’re fed up of where Resident Evil is at, then The Evil Within might be the foul-smelling breath of fetid air you are craving, even if it might have benefited from being a tighter, leaner affair.

If a straight-up South Park table wasn’t great enough, imagine our shock and delight at finding out that there’s also a second table based around everyone’s favourite little guy – the one and only Leopold “Butters” Stoch.

If anything, the additional DLC has added more to a game that was already offering so much, and I’m personally glad that we finished on the high that this franchise deserved – although, the real Souls fans know that we never truly finish.

Intense, gorgeous and thrilling to play, this is Platinum’s best game so far...A non-stop climax of excitement from the moment you start the Prologue, this is one of those games that demands to be played.

Futuridium EP Deluxe is a cracking little arcade game, best for playing a set of levels when you have a moment rather than a long gaming session, and while later levels can be a bit frustrating, playing it in small bites makes it much more enjoyable.

Combat is the traditional RTS “smash into each other experience” but it works well (despite the questionable unit AI), and building your castle is incredibly pleasing despite the dodgy interaction with terrain. Irritating moments such as the enemy Lord fights and generally high difficulty detract significantly from the game, but it’s still an enjoyable romp for any RTS fan.

Definitive Edition is not quite an essential purchase – especially if you already played and finished the original release – but it’s definitely worth picking up if you’re hankering after the kind of open world criminal action that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

It’s weird to think that with the fourth game, Skylanders has fully earned my trust.

Hardcore strategy RPG fans may find a decent experience here. In fact, it may simply be the case that Natural Doctrine’s blend of punishing difficulty and simple presentation don’t gel with everyone. One thing that is certain is that Natural Doctrine us not designed for the casual crowd, and unless you’re prepared to invest time and energy into learning its systems inside out – and then are still prepared to try and try again when you do know what you’re doing – you’d be advised to away from this one.

Chariot is up there with the best of them: its take on puzzle platforming is unique enough and challenging enough to keep you engaged for some time. It won’t capture the attention or admiration of everybody, of course, but for those of you who yearn for days gone by, Chariot is a must see.

Dark, compelling, and occasionally unflinchingly brutal, Shadow of Mordor is Lord of the Rings for grown-ups. It’s not just a good game based on an established franchise, but a fantastic game in its own right and one that deserves to be judged purely by its own merits, and not by what has come before.

One thing that is certain is that Natural Doctrine us not designed for the casual crowd, and unless you’re prepared to invest time and energy into learning its systems inside out – and then are still prepared to try and try again when you do know what you’re doing – you’d be advised to away from this one.

The bright visuals pop and sing thanks to the increased power and the game runs as smooth as butter at all times. Addictive and entertaining, CastleStorm’s mix of fairytale whimsy and challenging strategy – as well as its mishmash of play styles – makes it a solid and enticing prospect whatever the platform.

This is another classic end-of-an-era title, the sort of thing that would have surfaced with regularity during the dying days of the PlayStation 2, albeit with a wildly inferior focus on quality control. Instead, Namco Bandai have produced another solid title that is an ideal distraction for the younger gamer, yet not insulting enough for an old timer to switch off and escape into for a few hours.

It’s the style that shines through, though. I said it when Persona 4 Arena came out and it stands true for Ultimax; Persona 4 Arena is the most stylish fighting game ever, and a gem of the genre to boot, thanks to its combination of appealing and genuinly cool aesthetics with ocean deep gameplay.

It’s comfortably the best Alien game ever made, and delivers authenticity along with a new story that is worth seeing, experiencing, and fleeing from into the darkness. Never once allowing the immersion to be broken, Creative Assembly have done it. They have actually done it.

It’s not a classic of its genre, but it is ultimately a beacon of hope for a certain style of RPG – the video game pen and paper style – that many thought had been lost in more recent years.

Perhaps Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments’ greatest achievement is how guilty you feel when you punish an innocent person – even just being able to get it wrong is a superb idea.

The relatively gratifying story and straightforward puzzles aren’t the real reasons to visit Red Creek Valley. The location is a good enough reason itself. More often than not people look to graphics as an indication for this medium’s progression and even though that’s somewhat of a falsehood, it has to be said that this spirit story’s looks are otherworldly.

Defense Grid 2 may not be the most original idea, and lacks any real character in its story and presentation, but it is the unique gameplay ideas that make it a success.

Kickbeat is a fairly generic rhythm-action title, hampered by loose core gameplay – something that really needed to be solid when there is so little in the way of content. It’s hard to recommend it when there are better examples of the genre out there.

It would be easy to sit and reel off a list of things Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS doesn’t have, but it’s better to focus on what it is. And what it is, is a functionally excellent, portable version of Super Smash Bros.

Its breathtaking take on the world of cars is a petrol head’s wet dream.

If you want a break from continuously chasing the so-called “next big thing” and fancy getting your teeth into a reliable, enjoyable and regularly funny RPG, then jump off the hype train and hang around with Fang and his gang of Fury hunters. You won’t be disappointed.

It’s a shame Career Mode has seen such little love this year, but regardless, there are enough changes overall that FIFA feels a very different game this year. They’ve not reinvented the wheel, just put shinier trims on it, and perhaps this isn’t the year that the presentation needed to take centre stage.

There is a real richness of content and back-story that has been invented, and despite the feeling that you don’t really make much progress in solving the case in question, I really wanted to press on and find out what was going on.

Rain Games have created something beautiful in Teslagrad. Its opening scene alone should win some kind of award. Its mix of mind bending puzzles and unforgiving boss battles, not to mention some pretty hit and miss platforming, make it a game that will really split opinions. Fans of the genre will find a new hero in Teslagrad – but casual gamers should be wary.

The controls are responsive and it takes no time to get the hang of what you’re doing – though mastering each course will take considerably longer.

It’s going to cost you a fortune, though, because once you start to enjoy dashing through the air as Iron Man, you’ll want more of those pricey heroes to throw into your game, because they’re wonderful little toys that look and feel good.

This is undoubtedly the finest handheld version of the Disgaea-verse that you could possibly wish to own.

Fast and frantic, Bayonetta is still a quality action game. The visuals may have aged somewhat, and the difficulty may be hard as nails, but this is the definitive version of a game that feels strangely at home on a Nintendo console.

Hyrule Warriors is a success. It enables Nintendo to explore the Zelda cast and world in large scale conflicts, while also offering fans an avenue for rampant nostalgia. The game only falls down due to the documented trappings of the Warriors franchise and the fault of being the first of its line, even though it does make some brave attempts to improve on the template with this.

GoD Factory: Wingmen may win the award for worst named game of 2014 thus far, but this naming blunder masks one of the smartest multiplayer team games of recent years. Layers of thoughtful design are married to tight, responsive, spontaneous space flight controls to make a four-versus-four online space shooter that’s both thrilling and satisfying in equal measure.

If I had to criticise what is otherwise a brilliant value package, it is the woefully disappointing story and the way it doesn’t warrant much emotional investment. Luckily the desire to max out your character and become a master of the many fun and diverse occupations more than makes up for it.

Destiny is a confident, solid, sometimes stunningly beautiful shooter with RPG mechanics that add longevity and depth, and the beginnings of what could be an incredible online universe. But it feels like the tip of the glacier, and I’m not sure it’s a good thing to be more excited about what a game might one day be, than what it is actually is.

Ovosonico have attempted to create an original, thoughtful title that takes you on a journey of discovery through the eyes of a child. It feels a shame to blame Murasaki Baby for the poor controls of the Vita, but it wouldn’t work on any other platform – it’s been tailor made for Sony’s handheld. While it would have lost the connection with Baby that the front touch screen gives, having the sticks control her and the balloon would have improved things no end.

Where NHL 15 falls down is with its replayability and game modes. Not only are fan favorite modes missing, but the ones we do get are not feature complete. If you can deal with only having a few modes, then NHL 15 is well worth buying, but the lack of variation is sure to become an issue over time.

It is still miles away from a BlazBlue, but it is much more intuitive to play. There is a ridiculous amount of fan service going on, including more original movie sections than you can shake a nunchaku at. CyberConnect, don’t you ever change.

Flockers brings new life to the A to B puzzler, with its use of new age tech and brilliant level design making it a must see for fans of the genre, and a great place to start for those who have never seen a Lemming with green hair.

The RPG elements are still too confusing and convoluted, too, but much like in 2012, Theatrhythm is a fun, heart-warming piece of fan service that offers better value for money than before, while giving fans plenty of museum-based goodies to explore and reminisce over.

FROM continues to surprise and amaze with the direction it is taking with the DLC. The Crown of the Iron King is a must have purchase for any Dark Souls 2 fan. With beautiful graphics and haunting sound, you would be daft to not take the trek up Brume.

Joe Danger is an absolutely perfect fit for the Vita, the small courses making it the ideal game to play either in short chunks or larger blasts depending on your situation.

Getting a rhythm going as you charge across the battlefield can be quite hypnotic, and while it is easy for anyone to pick up and play, mastering it will take much, much longer.

The true BBL story is gripping and an absolute must-play for anyone with an open mind who is a fan of visual novels. The game doesn’t make things obvious, though. I had no idea this route existed until I actually put in the effort to do more endings, and I’d recommend you do the same. If nothing else, it’s nice to see Devolver and Mediatonic bringing something so new and unusual to Steam.

A one trick pony, and once you’ve played through the first operation enough times to complete it you’ll have stopped laughing. The controls err on frustrating far too often, and while deliberately clumsy, the entire system is too inconsistent to provide much fun.

It is as intense a game as I have played in recent times and I did get close to smashing a few things in frustration – it is as unforgiving as they come. A fast paced, pick-up-and-play, run-and-gun dungeon crawler that may impress the hardcore – if it doesn’t drive them insane.

The greatest triumph is in how the spacecraft gameplay and platforming sections feel similar in parts, while also retaining some individuality. It’s disappointing that a number of factors cause Velocity 2X to experience a little turbulence, because generally, it’s a great flight.

If you even remotely enjoy great stories and narratives, Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is an absolute must-buy. The final segment in particular is magical.

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.

The defensive improvements make playing defense fun for the first time in quite a while. The improved tackling offers more challenge and choice while the guessing of the snap gives you something to work at when pass rushing.

Epic Eric is the perfect game to play on the tube. It will keep you entertained, but doesn’t require massive amounts of concentration. The gameplay is fun and some of the puzzles are brilliantly designed. However, too many stages are too simple and offer little challenge. All in all, Epic Eric is a decent game, but somehow feels like it’s missing a final stage.

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.

As with Second Son before it, First Light is stunning to look at, and has a wonderful soundtrack, which is hidden for true fanatics to search out and enjoy. The addition of challenges that reward trying different things is excellent, and the battle arena is a solid idea, executed well.

Humorous and well-designed, Counterspy is certainly worth investigating if you like your espionage in short, fast-paced chunks.

Even if you played the original releases, Metro Redux is still an attractive proposition. The improvements to 2033 are substantial, while the more minor tweaks to Last Light simply refine a fantastic experience.

It lends itself well to a pair of headphones and a complete disconnect from your expectations of what the artform – and yes, it is an artform – can bring to the table.

X-Type+ is a wonderfully simple idea tweaked and tuned into a damn fine little game, with an underlying depth and replay value that will keep seasoned shooter aficionados coming back for more. It also serves as a nice entry-level bullet hell affair before you start investigating the more exotic wares further afield.

Champ Man 15 is still a good mobile management sim. Perfect for when you are on the go, or travelling across the country for an away game!

If you’re a fan of Sword Art Online then this is a must buy, with it’s alternate reality separating it from the series.

Not all of the acting is perfect, admittedly, and the audio presentation won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but when it works Cloud Chamber is an absorbing, massive, occasionally unsettling, but absolutely compelling experiment in community narrative investigation.

The Golf Club promises a lot but falls down on its implementation. Golf fans will find a lot to like here, though, with the Designer and the solid gameplay providing an expansive experience. Unfortunately, last-gen visuals and a series of frustrating issues make this a hard game to recommend to all but the golf obsessed.

Sadly, while Blood Bowl tries to stay loyal to its strategic roots rather than turn the game into just another sports title, the gameplay isn’t implemented in a clear and logical way.

Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls – Ultimate Evil Edition is the game Diablo fans deserve. Granted, there are still areas to improve – Adventure Mode, for example, still feels a little like an experiment rather than the finished article – but this is as close to perfect as we’ve yet been.

A sound JRPG, Tales of Xillia 2 offers a fun yet deep battle system, a great story with tons of optional narrative, and plenty of in-game background information that makes it worth playing even if you didn’t play the original game.

2048 isn’t particularly challenging, and doesn’t require zen-like levels of skill and concentration to defeat it. It is one of those games like Nokia’s “Snake” from the late 90s, Game Boy Tetris, and Lumines, that I can see myself dipping into regularly, a simple, casual handheld experience that doesn’t ask too much of me, and can easily while away half an hour waiting for a bus.

The original Gravity Crash didn’t do too well when it came out in 2009, not least because it launched so close to PixelJunk Shooter. Now, five years on, this re-release doesn’t improve anything that was broken, and arguably detracts further from the titles it wants to emulate by setting the default option so easy.

This is another brilliant table from Zen, who seem to have developed a knack for both innovative table design and how to put a licence to good use.

With nods to the previous games, it makes you wonder what else they have up their sleeve. Probably more genius, tucked up there like a spare hanky. Anyway, now for that 3/10. Oh, it’s too late. You’ve already bought it.

The potential is actually staggering, but the reach exceeds their grasp, and in the end they’re left with a game that, frankly, underachieves in almost all the ways that matter.

The on-track action in Touch Racing 2 would legitimately be some of the best on mobile devices if it were a bit more challenging.

Pure Pool’s greatest trick is its immediacy. Once the table is in front of you, you can just play over and over and over with no wait.

Sacred 3 is not an Action-RPG, although it wears the uniform. It’s an outright hack ‘n’ slash adventure game with a throwaway story, barely-developed characters, and a once-rich fantasy world now so washed-out it’s become almost nondescript.

For younger gamers and show fans, it’s a decent enough romp; for anyone else, it’s not really worth the trouble.

Online multiplayer would have made Super Toy Cars a lot more attractive but at least the track editor is solid, if a little confusing.

Wooden Sen’Sey isn’t the worst title in the world – it just exists in a time when we expect a bit more from our platformers, particularly when you are shelling out the thick end of a tenner.

Blackout is as linear as first-person shooters get, and the control method is poor to say the least, but as a casual title it provides surprisingly epic shooting action.

Back to Bed is an acceptable puzzle game with outstanding presentation. The gameplay simply leans too heavily on illusions to offer a top tier puzzle experience, but it’s worth investigating simply for the dreamy combination of M.C.Escher, Salvidore Dahli and Monty Python.

Sadly the better vehicles and upgrades will require either a monetary contribution or some serious grinding to unlock, but as it stands you have a solid, full game without having to pay an extra penny. Not the most thrilling racing sim available on the Vita, but certainly the best for its price.

It is immensely fun to play and the puzzles never get monotonous. If you love platform games, you absolutely have to experience Metrico. And if you’re an info-graphic lover, this is your holy grail game.

Despite some decent titles on Sony’s new machine, you can’t deny the quality of Naughty Dog’s masterpiece. Even the staunchest of advocates that want original experiences on their new console will struggle to find much wrong with The Last of Us.

Ice Cream Surfer tells the story of a maniacal vegetable hell bent on destroying the sugary world of the flying gelato-influenced heroes, but just as fast food and candy treats are light on essential nutrients and likely to do you more harm than good, this is a game that is probably best left on the shelf, with other far more healthy options available to the discerning shooter fan.

Unrest doesn’t offer much more than playing as characters, having conversations and dictating where their lives are going. It might offer a diversion for a while if you’re a fan of character-driven RPGs, but it’s unlikely to entice newcomers to the genre.

Fans of either genre will enjoy themselves in AirMech Arena, and it may even convert a few naysayers – it has certainly made me a lot more interested in real-time strategy.

The daunting difficulty is always going to be a problem to a newcomer taking their first steps into such a popular, community-driven landscape, but Magic 2015 offers an in-depth tutorial that doesn’t skimp on the information. Sadly, though, the main game will disappoint established fans.

Hellraid: The Escape provides some fairly satisfying puzzling, and the idea that you shouldn’t have to kill enemies, but rather outsmart them, is a welcome change of pace.

A game that does well as a single-player RPG, and does well as a vast, exploration-based semi-open-world adventure, but excels at neither. Better than many of the RPGs in its ancestry, it nonetheless suffers from frustrating NPC engagement and lacks the intelligent storyline required to make it a classic of the genre.

But this is still a game that revels in a party environment. Alone, there’s little to keep you coming back for too long, but after a few drinks, or with the family, Wii Sports continues to provide a good time.

The game is incredibly hard at first, but it rewards perseverance. Even with the old school design, Rogue Legacy is filled with a sense of discovery that helps make it so great. This is something that I will be playing for a long time, and you should too – it is that damn good.

If anyone knows how to bring a classic onto modern stage, it’s Just Add Water. Not just an excellent port of a great title, but a solid game in its own right, Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty is fully able to proudly rub shoulders with any puzzle-platformer released in the last ten years.

Where Gods Will Be Watching is really testing, though, is in its almost impenetrable difficulty. There’s a fine line between challenge and frustration, and sadly, with all of its positives, Gods Will Be Watching will leave you questioning whether its really worth it.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the puzzles and story since I completed The Swapper. For a game so cryptic, I’m surprised at how much it impacted me. The ending in particular will stay with you for a long time.

Amid the Ruins has its fair share of shortcomings, but it also ticks most of the boxes of what we have been asking for in the past. It maintains a good pace throughout, and avoids getting bogged down with trivialities. It also manages to provide a mix of action sections, emotional scenes, and conversational passages – yet we also get some much-appreciated character development.

A solid extra mission, but that’s really all it is. Worth picking up if you’re desperate for some more, and given the replayability factor of the campaign as a whole and the seven possible ways to ship Adolf to the farm, it might last you a little while if you’re the type who chases those leaderboards or loves to squeeze every drop out of every mission.

Despite Pixel Trap making the wise decision not to spoil their title with virtual controls, Mighty Adventure just doesn’t do enough to set it aside from a plethora of other cartoon-style platformers.

Abyss Odyssey is absolutely the sum of its parts. While its platforming and fighter credentials might not hold up individually, their combination alongside the roguelike sensibilities and community co-operation help elevate these lacking mechanics to be something more compelling than they would be alone.

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

Simply put, Light is just a joy to play and experience.

Sniper Elite 3 is the best example of its genre, full stop.