As a series finale, Hokkaido manages to succeed in almost every way, even if the story has a weak and unsatisfying end.

Fuser is as exciting as it is creative, with plenty of options to make music through different genres. Harmonix has made a colourful and enjoyable game, and I can't recommend it enough.

The Walking Dead is back on track, after a slightly dull Episode Two, this is exactly what the series needed. It will make you care again, it will make you angry and sad in equal measures, it will remind you that nobody is safe in this universe, but best of all it recaptures The Walking Dead’s brilliance. I cannot wait for the next episode.

Football Manager 2016 makes you care about your team just as much as in the real world, providing the most realistic football manager experience to date.

The best Vita game just became one of the best PS4 games. Utterly essential, buy this, so it can finally get the love it so richly deserves.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a fantastic JRPG that could have been better technically and when it comes to localisation.

With some nicely-detailed visuals and decent voice-acting, Sniper Ghost Warrior: Contracts 2 is a polished offering from CI Games.

Life is Strange: True Colors is a powerful story of loss, love, and overcoming the things that hold you back. The empathy abilities add depth, and Alex is one of the best characters Life is Strange has ever seen.

While the new Survival mode offers an intense, permadeath experience and the new enemies are great, Swamps of Corsus doesn’t quite do enough to expand upon the main game.

Paradise Killer is a singular experience. An open-world detective game set in a weird, neon world where everyone is a suspect and each piece of evidence feels genuinely earned.

More of the Ace Attorney you know and love. With five full cases (plus an extra DLC case to purchase and download), each lasting tons of hours, there’s a full game here for a relatively cheap price.

WWE 2K24 is the best the series has ever been, with some major and minor additions to every mode, customisation, and the most important factor, it’s gameplay. It feels so good to know WWE 2K games are back to being great, and while the MyRISE stories are a little silly and MyGM can still be frustrating in terms of getting the right balance for high ratings, I was enamoured by everything it has to offer. It looks phenomenal in both the character animations and arenas, and while some of the voice acting feels a little wooden, I loved this year’s entry more than any other that came before.

Tails of Iron is a charming and often brutal Souls-like adventure, with some wonderful combat mechanics and a gorgeous hand-drawn world.

GTA V on PS5 is the best version of the game. The 60fps make it feel smoother to play, with faster load times being a welcomed improvement.

You’re obviously missing out on a smoother framerate but you gain portability and local wireless. I had no trouble online on either console so which version you buy depends on whether you value a higher framerate or portability. In its current state, the Switch port is very good and well worth it.

It’s not perfect, but there really should be no objection to letting Phoenix Wright into your life.

ICEY is a nice little adventure that blends in some great combat with a fourth wall breaking adventure and excellent visuals.

Aviary attorney is the perfect homage to the Ace Attorney series. Beyond beautiful to look at, with a twisting story and hilarious characters that make you want more.

Oozing retro arcade cool, yet still feeling modern and unique, Armor Games Studios have absolutely delivered with Jet Lancer.

With its rip-roaring soundtrack and genuinely impressive retro-future graphical style, Fight'N Rage is a treat for the eyes and ears.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a gorgeous looking fighter with a simplistic approach to combat that welcomes players of all skill levels.

The Jackbox Survey Scramble is the new game in town just in time for Christmas and it has the potential to be a classic.

Curve Studios have helped adapt Jasper Byrne’s effort perfectly for both PS3 and Vita, giving console gamers a chance to witness one of the creepier and more unsettling examples of the genre in quite some time.

The Brigmore Witches is a mostly satisfactory end to one of 2012′s best-loved games, but it could have and should have concluded with more pizazz.

So, episode three is your typical middle episode, then. Full of exposition for the most part and then giving you a twist that makes you wish episode four was out tomorrow.

Sunnyside have something very special in Nocturnal that could easily stand with the best if it had just a little more story and content.

It won’t be for everyone, but this is a brutal and unwavering assault on the senses, made for the most hardcore of racing fans.

The pricepoint may not be as generous as the iOS and Android original, yet Gunslugs still feels like a generous package.

A relatively plain platformer boosted by a vivid and surreal art-style, Icycle: On Thin Ice is just about crazy and unique enough to warrant a look. Bite-size, fun-packed levels make for a game that doesn’t overstay its welcome, and stands out from crowd both artistically and mechanically.

Ghostrunner is built for that subset of gamers who enjoy the steepest challenge. The story is solid, the world is beautiful, and the precision insane - but this is a hardcore experience from start to finish.

Everspace 2 presents a whole galaxy to unlock and explore, or the ability to just fly around and cause mischief. Either is great fun.

VOEZ is a rhythm action game, but unlike the more well-known titles like Project Diva and Guitar Hero, you don’t push buttons in time to the notes. The game’s interface is a series of lines, one horizontal and several vertical, note markers flow down from the top of the screen to the bottom where you perform the required action to ‘play’ the note. Movements required include genre stalwarts such as tap and hold, but will be regularly interspersed with times you’ll need to swipe, and others where you’ll need to slide as the path changes. It doesn’t sound very special but it’s all down to how it’s presented.

A lovely small package of fun. Being this naughty has never felt this good.

Persona 3 Portable has a script that's sharp as a tack, and one which makes you identify and fall in love with the quirky cast of characters that you interact with, as well as feeling very much in control of your protagonist.

FAR: Changing Tides is a beautiful game with a stunning soundtrack that puts you in control of a ship you'll build a fantastic bond with.

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

Overcooked! 2 is everything I wanted from a sequel to one of the better couch co-op games out there with online multiplayer, varied levels, recipes that drive you mad, and more.

Skylanders may be facing tougher competition this year, but with Superchargers it’s stepped up its game to match.

The usual high quality Nintendo level design and charm makes up for the lack of challenge and longevity.

Put aside any misconceptions you have about strategy RPGs, Shadows of Valentia demands your time and will make you feel good for it.

The finale the game deserved, cementing Life is Strange as one of the best games, and biggest surprises, of 2015.

It doesn’t reinvent the wheel and really struggles to get going, but for the most part it’s a nice variation on many mechanics we already know and love.

Operencia: The Stolden Sun is a decent slice of adventuring fun that feels like a bit of a weird fit for the Switch but functions well on Nintendo’s console nevertheless, and often feels unique, though rarely essential.

Trials of Fire is a masterful combination of several genres that manages to establish its own identity early on and build on it throughout.

A badass little blaster that's not afraid to be hardcore and treat you like a whiny little child, Helldivers is most fun when you and your teammates work together.

For those that are completists, who want to eke every drop out of their Layton, there is a staggering amount of depth here, not just from the multiple puzzles,but from the way all of the mini-games are directly tied into the main adventure, and the Treasure Hunt mode can actually provide a beneficial reason to keep your idling 3DS in your pocket, lest you have a cheeky StreetPass encounter that will unlock a juicy reward.

The Walking Dead Season Two may not have moved into top gear yet, but Telltale have already shown that they are more than capable of producing more gut-wrenching moments and difficult choices.

Another great episode in what is becoming Telltale's best series. But the sporadic episode release is harming it overall.

Rune Factory 4 Special is a delightful game with a ton of content to keep you busy, despite feeling a little overwhelming in the beginning. Good localisation and post-game content around character episodes and a Newly-wed mode will please returning fans.

Incredibly polished, with gorgeous visuals and terrific voice acting, only some difficult late-game puzzles stop Broken Age from being the absolute pinnacle of the genre.

An emotional tour de force that has considerably upped the ante as the final episode approaches. That last episode can’t come soon enough.

Windjammers is something I never thought I wanted until I played it. Having spent a decent amount of time on it across PS4 and Vita, I’m glad to have yet another indie I played often available on the Switch through such a great port.

It’s a real breath of fresh air to travel around an open world with such wild abandon, and the variety of enemies combines with the general movement to make fun the most important aspect of the whole package.

As a brand new run-and-gun game it’s a simple one, but add the time manipulation mechanics and it becomes an incredibly refreshing take on an age-old genre. Awesome, dumb fun with a very clever twist.

Children of the Sun is a thrilling puzzle game that does a great job of keeping you engaged, and when you're on a roll it's hard to put down.

A gorgeous, spellbinding game that plays with your thoughts and delivers a narrative throughline that you never see coming. An absolute must for fans of storytelling in games.

A wonderfully designed zombie romp, providing a tough challenge with some fantastic humour and music along the way.

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.

Whilst the gameplay is drastically improved to give the best Football yet, some technical issues in the story mode, along with repetitive practice scenarios mar the overall experience.

Torchlight II is a superb addition to your library and an absolute blast alone or with friends.

Hidden Through Time is a simple and relaxing experience that will see you lose a lot of time to it but in a good way. It never feels like a chore attempting to find items and this might be down in part to how lovely and bright the whole game looks and feels. If you’re looking for something out of the norm and very Where’s Wally/Waldo esque then this is definitely worth your time.

A love letter to days of ninja platforming past, Okinawa Rush is a tough-as-teak challenge that will keep you glued to your Switch.

OTXO blends Roguelike elements and Hotline Miami to create a beautiful bloodbath that just feels great to play.

It may not bring anything truly new to the genre, but Convergence: A League of Legends Story is a great time nonetheless.

Deadlink is a ridiculously compelling Roguelike FPS, with a seriously clever upgrade system and a combat loop that never gets old.

It’s not going to be known quite yet if Life is Strange is essential, but early signs are that this sequel is going to be as good as season one was.

Gran Turismo 6 isn’t perfect, but it’s frighteningly comprehensive.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is a wonderful and unique fighting game that fans will love, but it takes a lot of dedication to learn how to play.

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

With perfect controls, epic boss fights and a banging soundtrack, Cyber Shadow is a superb action platformer that you don't want to miss.

A fantastic puzzle game hides underneath an interesting, engaging story. There’s plenty here to warrant another look, and if you skipped it before, don’t pass it over this time.

Stranded: Alien Dawn borrows from RimWorld and The Sims, but meshes the borrowed elements into something both unique and immensely rewarding.

SnowRunner has its issues, but its unique brand of truck simulation and off-road adventuring is enough to keep you entertained for hours on end.

The world is gorgeous, the characters are well written, and there are some grand moments throughout, but there are some significant issues with pacing and linearity.

BAKERU is a lovely Japan inspired action platformer, with novel drum-based combat and sensational collectables to gather.

With a dense open world inspired by Breath of the Wild, Genshin Impact provides hours of free entertainment with its rich combat and deep RPG systems.

Puyo Puyo Tetris is a great puzzle mashup game with loads of game modes and a robust online mode offering a fun experience.

Heart of Thorns is a worthy addition to the Guild Wars 2 world that brings enough new features to the table to keep the franchise going for a few more years.

Hitman Go is a rare breed in mobile games because it doesn’t try to copy another popular title, or provide a lazy spin-off from its source material. In fact, it manages to take an existing license and apply it to an entirely new genre, whilst still managing to maintain the spirit of the original.

This is my favourite rhythm game across all platforms, with its song selection spreading across all genres, perfect core gameplay, and fantastic presentation.


An absolute joy, like a whippy ice-cream on a hot summer’s day, it’s sweet and fun and you will want more.

While I do feel MLB is above average in most areas, I feel it is let down entirely by boring gameplay, which completely ruins the general mood and feel. Great modes, decent graphics, the licenses – although they are all there, playing MLB 14 feels like going through the motions over and over again.

From grind-happy obsessives, to those whose love for the genre might have lapsed, and are looking for something to bring them back, this a must-buy game for fans of Bravely Default, as well as anyone who loves JRPGs.

There's a lot to like in Jagged Alliance 3. The merc management system is solid, the gear works well, and combat can be very satisfying.

Crysis Remastered Trilogy will give plenty of players a chance to revisit three classic games, with improved visuals all round.

A fine addition to the GO franchise of premium puzzle games on mobile but one that is not as good as previous entries.

The series has managed to reinvent itself, all whilst still keeping the heart of the series intact. Bayek is a great character, and the open world of Egypt is remarkable.

Get ready for adventure again with this bite sized extra episode for our pint-sized rambler, great value at the price of a London pint.

Fitting for a game called ‘Tales’ Vesperia spins a good yarn, but ultimately the game is showing its age.

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

Prodeus is an unashamedly loud and brash FPS that manages to put a true modern twist on the retro shooter.

Skyward Sword HD has made a fool of me, and really, I am just so happy I gave it another chance. This is the best version of a truly landmark game.

A charming adventure in a unique Norwegian setting, Embracelet is a delightful coming of age story full of magic, mystery and friendship.

F1 2022 is as authentic as you can get, with superb handling and stunning visuals, but a follow up to Braking Point would have been nice.

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.

Have a Nice Death is a fantastic action Roguelike, with silky smooth combat and a ton of upgrades to experiment with.

Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a fantastic adventure filled to the brim with challenge, heart, and - most importantly - monsters.

Signalis offers an incredible story with a terrifying atmosphere that is just as much about your surroundings as it is about the creatures.